Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, a Fort Drum soldier who died in Afghanistan on Dec. 13.

Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky, 19, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team and was from Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to Pfc. Joshua Mikeasky's family and loved ones," Governor Cuomo said. "We are saddened by his loss and join them and his fellow soldiers in honoring his service to our nation."

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.

Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of President George H. W. Bush and will be lowered again on Monday, Dec. 31 in honor of Major James M. Brophy of Dutchess County and other Marines killed in an air collision earlier this month. Flags will be lowered on Wednesday, January 2, following the New Year's Day holiday, in honor of Pfc. Mikeasky.