Flags at half-mast honor fallen soldiers

Published May 8, 2013 This content is archived.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings—including those at UB—be flown at half-mast on May 9 and May 10 in honor of two New York State soldiers who died on May 4 in Afghanistan.

Marine Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian of Warwick died in Farah Province while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Army Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV of Meridian died in Maiwand of wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion 36th Infantry Regiment 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Cuomo has ordered that flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-mast in honor of and tribute to New York service members who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.