Governor Paterson Directs Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff
June 08, 2010
Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, June 10, in honor of Army First Lieutenant Joseph J. Theinert, a Sag Harbor resident who died in Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 4.
First Lieutenant Theinert was a member of the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, part of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York. He was also a member of the New York Army National Guard. After being commissioned as an officer in the National Guard, First Lieutenant Theinert volunteered to go on active duty before joining his New York Army National Guard Unit. He was killed when an improvised explosive device was detonated near his dismounted patrol.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend the sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow service members of First Lieutenant Joseph Theinert," Governor Paterson said. "We are sorry for the loss of this young officer, but we appreciate his devotion and leadership given to his soldiers and 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.
