Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today ordered flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff starting tomorrow, June 28, in honor of a Trumansburg, New York Soldier who died as a result of injuries sustained in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan on June 25. He was 24 years old.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers I extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sgt. Johnston," Governor Cuomo said. "His death is a reminder of the sacrifices members of the military make to protect the freedoms and the values that this state and this nation were founded upon."

Sgt. James G. Johnston was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), a part of the 71st Ordnance Group at Fort Hood, Texas. Sgt. Johnston was one of two Soldiers who died of wounds sustained from small arms fire during combat operations.

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