News from New York State Office of the Governor

For more information contact: Morgan Hook, 518-474-8418/212-681-4640; Division of

Military and Naval Affairs Contact: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581

Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff

ALBANY, NY (05/20/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday, May 24, in honor of two Fort Drum soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan on May 18.

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer and Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz were killed when enemy forces attacked their convoy with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The officers were assigned to Headquarters Battalion of the 10th Mountain Division and lived at Fort Drum with their families.

"I join with all New Yorkers in expressing our sympathy to the family and friends and fellow soldiers of Lt. Col. Thomas Belkofer and Lt. Col. Paul Bartz," Governor Paterson said. "These officers served their country with distinction. We join the Fort Drum community in mourning their loss but we will honor their service to our nation."

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 or die in a combat zone.