Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of two Marine Corps Reservists who were killed in Parwan Province, Afghanistan on April 8. Flags will be lowered from today until their interment.

Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, Nassau County, and Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, who was a 15-year member of the FDNY, stationed at Ladder Company 23 in the South Bronx, were killed in an improvised explosive device attack while conducting combat operations along with a third Marine, Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, of York, Pennsylvania.

All were members of the 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of two members of the family of New York, Cpl. Hendriks and FDNY member Staff Sgt. Slutman, while they were serving our country in Afghanistan," Governor Cuomo said. "Their deaths are a tragic reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our service members, who put their lives in harm's way to protect our values and way of life. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to their friends and loved ones, and I am directing that flags be lowered in their honor."

Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all State buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to New York service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.