Albany, NY - June 25, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, June 27, 2013 in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died in Sar Rowzah, Afghanistan on June 23.

 

Specialist Javier Sanchez Jr., of Greenfield, Calif., died of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device while on mounted patrol. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

 

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Sanchez Jr.," Governor Cuomo said. "We will remember and honor this Fort Drum soldier and we are grateful for his service to our country."

 

Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to our state's service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.