Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, July 13, 2010 -- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, July 14, in honor of two Fort Drum soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on July 10.

Staff Sergeant Jesse W. Ainsworth was killed near Walakan, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. In a separate incident, Sergeant Donald R. Edgerton was killed later that day near Char Dara, Afghanistan when his unit was also attacked with an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, NY.

"I join with all New Yorkers in expressing our sympathy to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Jesse Ainsworth and Sergeant Donald Edgerton," Governor Paterson said. "While not native New Yorkers, we consider all those who serve at Fort Drum to be part of our New York family and we will honor their service to our nation and never forget their sacrifice."