GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, June 5, in honor of a Fort Drum Soldier who died in Iraq on May 31.

Specialist Marko M. Samson, whose home is Columbus, Ohio, but who was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at the Northern New York Army base, died in a non-combat related incident near Tikrit that is under investigation. Spec. Samson was assigned to the 227th Aviation Support Battalion of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

“As Governor, I extend the condolences of all New Yorkers to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Spec. Marko Samson,” said Governor Paterson. “While Spec. Samson was not a New Yorker, we consider all the Soldiers who serve at Fort Drum one of our own. We honor their service and we will remember his sacrifice.”

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor and tribute to our State’s service members who are killed in action.