Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (01/26/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that the flags at New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, January 28, in honor of a Yonkers soldier who was killed in a vehicular accident in Mosul, Iraq, on January 20, 2010.

Private First Class Gifford Hurt was killed when his military vehicle rolled over. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery of the 214th Fires Brigade, which is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

"All New Yorkers join the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Private First Class Hurt in mourning his death," Governor Paterson said. "While we will miss him, we honor his service to this great nation. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in tribute to the State's service members who are killed in action or die in a combat theater.

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