The Daily Bulletin Archive

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, May 10, in honor of a Meridian soldier who died in Maiwand, Afghanistan, on May 4.

Army Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV died 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.

"Along with all New Yorkers, I mourn the death of Staff Sgt. Phillips and I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his friends, family, and fellow soldiers," Governor Cuomo said. "We will honor his sacrifice and his dedication to our great nation."

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.