Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered all U.S. and state flags to fly at half staff on Friday, Feb. 21, in honor of SFC Antonio Rey Rodriguez, the Las Cruces soldier who was killed in the line of duty in eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

Rodriguez and SFC Javier Jaguar Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas, were killed earlier this month in Afghanistan.

“Our entire state grieves the loss of this young New Mexican who, at age 28, had already distinguished himself as a soldier through 10 deployments in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “My prayers remain with his wife, his parents and all who loved him. His service to our country will be remembered.”

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces. The funeral Mass will begin at noon Friday, Feb. 21, at the same location. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on March 3.