GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on June 27, 2008 in honor of three members of the New York Army National Guard who were killed in action in Afghanistan on June 21, 2008.

Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, of South Ozone Park, Queens; Specialist Anthony Mangano, of Greenlawn, Suffolk County; and Specialist Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez, Revere, Massachusetts, died when their unit came under attack outside Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“On behalf of the citizens of New York I want to express my deepest regret at the loss of these three members of the New York Army National Guard,” said Governor Paterson. “These brave soldiers fought to protect their State and Nation and it is with terrible sadness but also tremendous pride that we remember their sacrifice. Our hearts go out to their families and their fellow soldiers.”

All three soldiers were assigned to A Troop, Second Squadron 101st Cavalry, based in Geneva, Ontario County. The three soldiers were part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force of more than 8,000 U.S. and NATO service personnel training the Afghan National Army and Police.

The soldiers and another member of the task force were killed in an ambush en route to a training location when their vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

In honor and tribute of our State’s soldiers who are killed in action, Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half staff in appreciation of their heroic sacrifice.