From: Don Russ
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2013 9:41 PM
To: 'govgeneral@wisconsin.gov'
Subject: proclamation for Jeremiah Collins

Governor,

Lance Corporal Jeremiah Collins, killed in Afghanistan, had his wake today. His funeral is tomorrow, Saturday, 10/19/2013.

You issued Proclamation 116 for his high school only. There has been no proclamation for his funeral, perhaps because of confusion with 116.

LCPL Collins was the first of five to be denied a “death gratuity” because of the federal shut-down (a problem that has since been corrected) and it now seems another government may see him slip through another crack.

I realize that you may not become aware of this oversight until after the funeral, but I suggest that you order flags lowered on November 5th, the one-month anniversary of his death.

-Don Russ

From: Suhr, Daniel R - GOV
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 9:15 AM
To: Don Russ
Subject: RE: proclamation for Jeremiah Collins

Dear Mr. Russ,

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. On Thursday, October 17, Governor Walker issued Executive Order #119, ordering flags lowered statewide in honor of Lance Corporal Collins on October 19. A copy of the order is attached. Pursuant to that order, flags were lowered here at the State Capitol and at other state facilities. Moreover, ceremonial copies of the order were provided to Lance Corporal Collins’ parents. However, it appears that due to an administrative error the order was not distributed as widely as possible. We have taken steps to ensure that future orders receive wider distribution. Thank you for your diligence in ensuring appropriate honors for the fallen men and women of our armed forces.

Sincerely yours,
Daniel Suhr
Office of Legal Counsel
Office of Governor Scott Walker