May 21st, 2009 Honoring De La Pena-Hernandez and Lee
Albany - Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, May 22, in honor of two Fort Drum soldiers who died Friday, May 15, in Chak, Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Esau I. De La Pena-Hernandez and Sergeant Carlie M. Lee III, both died after their unit received small arms fire from enemy forces while on patrol. Both men were members of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum.
Staff Sergeant Pena-Hernandez is originally from La Puente, California and Sergeant Lee is originally from Birmingham, Alabama.
“On behalf of all citizens of the Empire State, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Staff Sergeant Esau De La Pena-Hernandez and Sergeant Carlie Lee III,” said Governor Paterson. “While neither of these men originally came from New York State, we embrace them as fellow New Yorkers as we do all soldiers who serve at Fort Drum. We honor their service and we will remember their sacrifice for 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. |
