Flags lowered for Colorado soldier

Flags are flying at half-staff Saturday in honor of a 24-year-old from Colorado Springs who was killed in Afghanistan.

Spc. Rob L. Nichols died last month from wounds he suffered when an improvised bomb exploded. Nichols was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Gov. John Hickenlooper ordered flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset Saturday.

Nichols graduated from Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs in 2007. Nichols received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, both awarded posthumously.

A public funeral is scheduled Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N. Carefree Circle. A reception will follow the funeral at The American Legion, Centennial Post 209, 3613 Jeannine Drive.

A private interment will be Monday, Aug. 5.

Nichols is survived by his mother and stepfather, Donna and Bob Ribisi of Colorado Springs; his father, Bruce Nichols of the Denver area; and a brother, Chad Ribisi of Colorado Springs.