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 Wednesday, November 10, in honor of a Williamsville soldier who died of wounds suffered in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan on November 5.

Army Specialist Blake D. Whipple died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was a member of the 7th Engineering Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, NY.

"Along with all New Yorkers, I want to express my sympathy to the friends, fellow soldiers, and family members of Specialist Whipple," Governor Paterson said. "This young soldier served our nation with honor and heroism. We mourn his passing, but we will recall his service to our country with pride."

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.

###

Additional news available at www.ny.gov/governor | High resolution images available at www.ny.gov/governor/mediaimages | password: paterson | New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@chamber.state.ny.us | 212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418 | Follow us on Facebook and Twitter