Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all North Carolina flags at state buildings, grounds and facilities to be lowered to half-staff, effective immediately, through sunset on Monday, May 20, in honor of Staff Sgt. Jacob A. Hess who died Wednesday from injuries sustained during training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Sgt. Hess was assigned to the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion and 95th Civil Affairs Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same duration of time as a sign of respect.