Maryland Flag At Half-Staff For Perry Hall Soldier

PERRY HALL, MD — Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered the U.S. and Maryland flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, June 20.

The action is in memory of Sgt. Eric M. Houck. of Perry Hall, who died on June 10 in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

"Our hearts are filled with sorrow..." Gov. Larry Hogan said upon learning of the soldier's death. "Our sincere prayers go to his wife, Samantha, their children, and all of their family and loved ones in this time of grief."

• Perry Hall Soldier Memorialized With Ceremony
• Sgt. Eric Michael Houck, 25
• Perry Hall Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

"American and Maryland flags will fly at half staff when Sgt. Houck is laid to rest, in honor of his memory and selfless dedication to our state and our nation," Hogan said.

Houck will be buried with full military honors at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery after a celebration of life on Tuesday, June 20, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Pictured, Sgt. Eric Houck, 25, of Perry Hall. The governor ordered the flags to be lowered on June 20 for his burial. Photo of Sgt. Eric Houck courtesy of the 101st Airborne Division.