12/23/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will issue a proclamation ordering all U.S. and State flags displayed at all State facilities be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, the day of services for State Division of Aviation pilot and West Virginia Air National Guardsman Lieutenant Colonel Michael "Mike" Lakin of Charleston, West Virginia.
"The loss of such a patriotic individual and public servant is deeply saddening," Gov. Tomblin said. "Joanne and I are heartbroken for his daughter and family. I encourage all West Virginians to show their appreciation of Mike's patriotism, by joining the State in lowering their residential flags to half-staff."
Lakin was commissioned as an officer in the Unites States Marine Corps. He left active duty and later joined the 130th West Virginia Air National Guard and spent over a year flying combat missions into Iraq and Afghanistan, performing challenging low-level flying into some of the world's most dangerous airports.
As a member and flight instructor of the State Division of Aviation, Lakin piloted the State's King Air 350 and Cessna Grand Caravan airplanes. At the time of his death, Lakin was on military leave from the State due to his active duty status with the National Guard, serving in Iraq.
Lakin, 42, was tragically killed while performing stunt aerial maneuvers during a recertification skills test in Ohio on December 22, 2011. He is survived by one daughter.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000