Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (11/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, November 12, in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 5.

Army Sergeant Michael F. Paranzino died of wounds he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

"On behalf of all residents of the Empire State, I extend our sympathy to the friends, family and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Paranzino," Governor Paterson said. "Although he was not a New York native, we consider all those assigned to Fort Drum to be a part of our State. We regret his loss, but we will remember his service and honor him for it."

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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