Visitation is planned today for Kyle B. McClain, a 2005 Rochester High School graduate who died Aug. 1 in Afghanistan.

Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of McClain. 

"Sgt. McClain made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the freedoms we enjoy and the country he called home," said Snyder in a statement. "I extend heartfelt condolences to Sgt. McClain’s wife, Lisa, his entire family and friends as we honor and remember this true American hero."      

McClain, 25, was a soldier in the Michigan National Guard assigned to the 1433^rd Engineer Company of the 507^th Engineer Battalion in the 177^th Military Police Brigade in Kalamazoo, Mich. 

He died in Salim Aka, Afghanistan. The soldiers were clearing roadways of improvised explosive devices (IED) when he was killed, McClain's mom, Geraldine, told the Detroit Free Press.

McClain studied engineering at Ferris State University for two years before joining the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a combat engineer serving in Afghanistan, having already served tours of duty in Korea and Iraq.

McClain was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart posthumously. His other awards and decorations include:

• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
• Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korea Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “Mobilization” device
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization – International Security Assistance Force Medal
• Michigan Service Medal (Broadsword)
• Michigan State War on Terrorism Ribbon with “Mobilization” device
• Michigan Outside United States Service Ribbon
• Expert Weapons Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar

He also received the Combat Action Badge posthumously.

McClain is survived by his wife, Lisa; his parents, Michael and Geraldine; and his sister, Kristyn.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home in Rochester. The funeral service for McClain will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary of the Hills in Rochester Hills.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

The flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday.