Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (10/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, November 3, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died in Afghanistan on October 27.

Army Sergeant Michael D. Kirspel, Jr. died of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery (Strike), 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 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 Kirspel," 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. We will honor his service and his dedication to duty while we grieve."

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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