Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (10/26/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, October 27, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died of wounds suffered in Afghanistan on October 24 at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Army Sergeant First Class Charles M. Sadell was wounded on October 5 at Arif Kala, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers I wish to extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sergeant First Class Sadell," Governor Paterson said. "Though not a native New Yorker, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be part of our New York family. While we mourn his death we will honor his service and his sacrifice to our country."

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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