Governor Mike Parson has ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff on Friday, April 23, in honor of Missouri National Guard Major Joshua W. Kolden, of Pleasant Hill.

Major Kolden passed away on April 13 as a result of a traffic accident while in service to the people of the state of Missouri.

Major Kolden joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1999 and transferred to the Missouri National Guard in 2006. He was commissioned as an officer in 2008 after demonstrating a commitment to advancing the service of the Missouri National Guard. Major Kolden is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.