Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, September 30, in honor of US Army Sgt. 1st Class Elis A. "Barreto" Ortiz. Sgt. Barreto died while in combat in Afghanistan on Thursday, September 5.

He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team in Fort Bragg, NC. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters as well as the Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge and Army Driver and Mechanic Badge. Services for Sgt. Barreto will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery on Monday.

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