Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Army Pfc. Shane Cantu, of Corunna, on Monday, Sept. 10.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, Sept. 12, as they will remain lowered on Tuesday, Sept. 11 in honor of Patriot Day.
Cantu, 20, died Aug. 28 in Afghanistan. He was a member of the U.S. Army, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
“Pfc. Cantu made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country, and he will forever be remembered as a hero by the community of Corunna and the entire Great Lakes State,” Snyder said in a press release. “I extend heartfelt condolences to his parents, sisters and entire family during this time.”
Cantu was a 2010 graduate of Corunna High School, where he was a three-year starter on the football team. He attended Adrian College before joining the Army, and was based in Germany and Italy prior to service in Afghanistan.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and Army Good Conduct Meal posthumously. His other awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Cantu received the NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge posthumously. He also received the Parachutist Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Overseas Service Bar.
