Jefferson City, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Feb. 20, to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Capt. Kevin T. Roche.

Capt. Roche, of St. Louis, was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He died on Jan. 14 while serving his country at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe, Hawaii. His funeral will be held in St. Louis on Feb. 20.

In addition to the statewide lowering, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff from Feb. 21 to Feb. 26.

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are possible because of the courage of the men and women who serve our country in uniform,” Gov. Nixonsaid. “Capt. Roche exemplified that honor, duty and self-sacrifice, and we pay our respects to him and his service by lowering the flag. I also ask Missourians to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Capt. Roche was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.