Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (03/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, March 24, in honor of Army Specialist Robert Rieckhoff who was killed in Iraq on Thursday, March 18.

Specialist Robert Rieckhoff was killed in a rocket propelled grenade attack in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers I extend our sympathy to the friends, family and fellow soldiers of Specialist Robert Rieckhoff," Governor Paterson said. "We regret the death of this young soldier but we will honor his service to our nation. While he was not a native New Yorker, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be ours."

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

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