Sebelius directs flags to half-staff for Pfc. Richard A. DeWater
Governor asks Kansans to honor fallen soldier from Topeka

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has directed flags to be flown at half-staff throughout Kansas from sunup to sundown on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in honor of Pfc. Richard A. DeWater, Topeka , who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division of Fort Hood, Texas, and killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, April 15.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Private First Class DeWater, a beloved son, husband and soldier,” Sebelius said. “We honor his sacrifice and service to our nation by lowering our flags and celebrating his life.”

In July of 2007, Governor Sebelius signed an executive order allowing the flags of the United States and State of Kansas to be displayed at half-staff throughout the state when a member of the Kansas National Guard or Kansas Air National Guard is killed in the line of duty, or when a Kansas resident serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces is killed in the line of duty. In each instance, the governor will designate the date for flags to fly at half-staff.