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April 10, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – In remembrance and honor of Sgt. Nicholas A. Robertson, Maine 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 Friday, April 11, 2008.

Sgt. Robertson died as a result of wounds received in Afghanistan on April 2, 2008. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Services for Sgt. Robertson are being held on Friday in Brewer.

Source: Maine Governor

Governor Calls For Flags To Be Flown At Half Staff To Honor Lance Cpl. Cody Wanken

April 10, 2008 -- Des Moines -- Iowa Governor Chet Culver ordered that all flags in the state be flown at half staff today, April 10, 2008, from 8 a.m. (CST) until sunset in honor of Lance Cpl. Cody Wanken, 20, of Hampton who died on April 2, 2008.

The Governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed by President Bush in June 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor’s proclamation that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.    » read more »

April 10, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jeffery L. Hartley, 25, of Hempstead, Texas, died April 8 in Kharguliah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Source: DoD

April 09, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Maj. Mark E. Rosenberg, 32, of Miami Lakes, Florida, died April 8 in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Source: DoD

April 09, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Timothy M. Smith, 25, of South Lake Tahoe, California, died April 7 in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, La.

Source: DoD

04/09/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn of San Diego, CA:

"Maria and I join the people of California in offering our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Richard Vaughn, a devoted patriot who gave his life to defend freedom. Richard's courage and unyielding loyalty remind all Californians of the sacrifices made to protect democracy and keep us safe. We will honor and cherish the memory of this brave Californian forever."    » read more »

04/09/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Timothy M. Smith of South Lake Tahoe, CA:

"Sergeant Timothy Smith served his country with pride, distinction and relentless bravery. Maria and I stand with the people of California in honoring the life of this American hero, who answered the call to defend liberty and safeguard the United States. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Timothy's family and friends as they mourn the passing of a great soldier and an extraordinarily selfless Californian."    » read more »

April 8, 2008 -- THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, and welcome.

The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them.

George W. Bush after presenting Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to parents of of Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor: Photo by Eric Draper

In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. Today, we remember the life of this faithful Navy SEAL. And on behalf of a grateful nation, we will present Michael Monsoor's family with the Medal of Honor that he earned.    » read more »

April 08, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jeremiah E. McNeal, 23, of Norfolk, Virginia, died April 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 237th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command, Virginia Army National Guard, West Point, Va.

Source: DoD

April 08, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Richard A. Vaughn, 22, of San Diego, California, died April 7 in Baghdad, Iraq from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked using a rocket propelled grenade, improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Source: DoD

April 08, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died April 6 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Shane D. Penley, 19, of Sauk Village, Ill., died at Patrol Base Copper, Iraq, from wounds suffered while on duty at a guard post. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry 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 incomplete.    » read more »

Governor Calls For Flags To Be Flown At Half Staff To Honor Lance Cpl. Cody Wanken

April 8, 2008 -- (Des Moines) -- Iowa Governor Chet Culver ordered today that all flags in the state be flown at half staff on Thursday, April 10, 2008, from 8 a.m. (CST) until sunset in honor of Lance Cpl. Cody Wanken, 20, of Hampton who died on April 2, 2008.    » read more »

04/08/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement in recognition of Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor of Garden Grove, CA, who has been awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously:

Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor patrolling the streets of Iraq while deployed in 2006: Photo courtesy Dept. of Defense    » read more »

April 07, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died April 6 in Balad, Iraq, when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Capt. Ulises Burgos-Cruz, 29, of Puerto Rico, who was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Spc. Matthew T. Morris, 23, of Cedar Park, Texas, who was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

Source: DoD

April 04, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Charles A. Jankowski, 24, of Panama City, Florida, died March 28, in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Source: DoD