Flags at half-staff

8/11/2008 -- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff on Wednesday morning, August 13th until sundown Thursday, August 14th to honor the memory of U.S. Army Private Timothy Hutton, who died in Iraq in August 4th, 2008, while in service to his country.

Source: Montana Governor

Governor asks Kansans to honor fallen soldier from Leavenworth

August 12, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has directed flags to be flown at half-staff throughout Kansas from sunup to sundown on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 in honor of Spc. William Joseph Mulvihill, Leavenworth, who was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, August 1st.

“Specialist Mulvihill dedicated himself to serving and protecting our country. A decorated solider, he served with honor and valor. His family, friends and fellow soldiers are in our thoughts and prayers as we remember his sacrifice.”    » read more »

Honoring Illinois' Fallen

August 13, 2008 -- The Illinois Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich's Office to fly the flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of:

Cpl. Adam T. McKiski
United States Marine Corps
Hometown: Cherry Valley

Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from:

Sunrise, Saturday, August 16, 2008 until
Sunset, Monday, August 18, 2008

Source: Illinois Governor

August 12, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Adam T. McKiski, of Cherry Valley, IL and Cpl. Stewart S. Trejo, of Whitefish, MT:

"Corporal Adam McKiski and Corporal Stewart Trejo are true patriots who fought proudly and bravely for their fellow citizens and for the ideals of this country. Californians will never forget their courage and sacrifice. Maria and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of these brave men during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Jair De Jesus Garcia, of Chatsworth, CA:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Private Jair De Jesus Garcia. Jair De Jesus was a brave soldier who fought courageously in defense of our nation's freedom. His sacrifice, service and loyalty to our country will never be forgotten. We join all Californians in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jair De Jesus' family and friends during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole, of American Canyon, CA:

"Private First Class Jennifer Cole fought with pride, honor and unyielding commitment to freedom and democracy. Her courage is an inspiration to all Californians and we will never forget her sacrifice. Maria and I send our condolences to Jennifer's family and friends."

Cole, 34, died Aug. 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Pfc. Cole, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Source: California Governor

June 16, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings remain at half-staff in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died June 12 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. John D. Aragon, 22, of Antioch, Calif., died in Kadamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funeral, for which arrangements are pending.    » read more »

June 16, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has ordered State of Connecticut and U.S. flags lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, June 17 in honor of Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher of Hamden, who was killed during the Vietnam War.

Gallagher’s Special Forces helicopter was shot down over Laos on January 5, 1968. He and the other four crewmen were listed as missing in action until 2006, when the flight’s wreckage was found. Gallagher was 24 years old at the time of the crash.    » read more »

06/13/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. John D. Aragon of Antioch, CA:

"Sergeant John Aragon served with bravery and loyalty to his country and fellow soldiers. His devotion to service is an inspiration for all Americans and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Maria and I offer our condolences to John's family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one."

Aragon, 22, died June 12 in Kadamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Aragon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), United States Army, Fort Campbell, KY.    » read more »

June 7, 2008 -- New York Governor David Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on June 11, 2008 in honor of three members of the 10th Mountain Division who were killed in action in Iraq on June 4, 2008.

Army Sgt. Shane P. Duffy, of Tauton, Massachusetts; Army Specialist Jonathan D. Emard, of Mesquite, Texas; and Amy Sgt. Cody R. Legg, of Escondido, California, died when their unit came under attack in Sharqat, Iraq.

The soldiers were conducting search operations. All three were members of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum., N.Y.    » read more »

June 09, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings remain at half-staff in honor of two Fort Campbell soldiers who died June 5 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Chief Warrant Officer James Carter, 42, of Alabama, and Pfc. Andre D. McNair, Jr., 20, of Fort Pierce, Fla. died at Kandahar Army Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when the Kiowa helicopter they were in went down during a test flight. They were assigned to the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funerals, for which arrangements are pending.    » read more »

06/06/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Cody R. Legg, of Escondido, CA:

"Maria and I extend our sympathies to the family of Sergeant Cody Legg, who fought with pride, honor and an unrelenting commitment to democracy. Californians are forever indebted to his service and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cody's family and friends during this difficult time."

Legg, 23, died June 4 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Sharqat, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire and hand grenades. Legg was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), U.S. Army, Fort Drum, NY.    » read more »

Flag lowering honors fallen sailor from Bremerton

June 3, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, June 4, in memory of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Ammon of Bremerton who was killed in action in Afghanistan May 23.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset Wednesday or first thing Thursday morning, June 5.

Last year, Congress amended the U.S. Flag Code to give governors the authority to lower flags when a state resident in the military is killed in the line of duty. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition

Source: Washington Governor

June 3, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – In remembrance and honor of Spc. Justin L. Buxbaum, Governor John E. Baldacci has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Spc. Buxbaum died in a non-combat related incident last month in Kushamond, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Visiting hours for Spc. Buxbaum are from 2-6 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway in South Portland. A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, at Holy Cross Church on the corner of Broadway and Cottage Road in South Portland.

Source: Maine Governor

06/02/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. 1st Class David Nunez, of Los Angeles, CA:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sergeant First Class David Nunez, who fought with pride and honor to preserve the liberties of his fellow citizens. We will forever remember his service and sacrifice given in the name freedom. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to David's family and friends as they mourn this extraordinary loss."

Nunez, 27, died May 29 in Shewan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while conducting combat operations. Nunez was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC.    » read more »