Roosevelt Island Flags At Half Mast For US Army Ranger Killed In Afghanistan - Sergeant Jason Santora Of Massapequa Park New York

Several people have noticed and asked why the Roosevelt Island American Flags at the Blackwell Turnaround

Image of Blackwell Turnaround Flag At Half Mast

and Firemen's Field

Image of Firemen's Field Flag At Half Mast

have been flying at half mast over the last several days. I asked RIOC President Steve Shane and he forwarded this message:

See Governor's request, below.

Sent: 4/27/2010 7:00:35 AM
Subject: Governor directs flags be flown at half-staff Wednesday, April 28

Dear Mr. Shane,

Although we do not have a flag on 591, can we fly the flag on the island at half-staff for fallen soldier, Sergeant Santora?

This is pulled from the Governor's press release:

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, April 28, in honor of Farmingville native Army Sergeant Jason Santora who died on Friday, April 23, in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Santora died of wounds he sustained while supporting combat operations in Logar Province. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Fort Benning, Georgia.

"All New Yorkers join together in mourning the death of this outstanding soldier," Governor Paterson said. "As an Army Ranger, Sergeant Jason Santora lived up to all the ideals of the Ranger Creed. We will honor his selfless service to our nation while extending our condolences to his family, his friends, and his fellow Rangers."

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 war zone.

Image of Sergeant Jason Santora From Sachem Patch

WCBS TV reported on the death of Sergeant Santora and his colleague Sergeant Ronald Kubik:

They left as courageous soldiers and returned as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sgt. Ronald Kubik of Brielle, N.J., who was just 21 years old, and 25-year-old Sgt. Jason Santora of Massapequa Park on Long Island, were both killed in Afghanistan on Friday. They were on a mission to smoke out a Taliban terror nest...

and according to Sachem Patch:

..."Sergeant Kubik and Sergeant Santora were warriors, true patriots and absolute heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation," said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment, in a Special Operations Command (SOCOM) release. "They were the epitome of the Ranger Fire Team Leader – fearless, leading from the front, and always concerned for their men."

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with combat star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two combat stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, according to his biography on the SOCOM website.

"Sergerants Kubik and Santora were Ranger leaders of the highest caliber and brothers-in-arms who died fighting together," said Col. Dan Walrath, commander of 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. "Their actions exemplify the fighting spirit of the Army Rangers and we will be eternally grateful for the examples they gave us in life."...

The Roosevelt Island American Flags are back up to the top today but now that you know why there were at half mast, if you wish, take a moment when you pass by the flagpoles and think of Sergeants Santora and Kubik for a moment. Thank them, their families and fellow soldiers for their service and sacrifice.