U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Two David C. Knadle and Chief Warrant Officer Two Kirk T. Fuchigami, Jr., died on November 20, 2019, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. According to initial reports, they died of injuries sustained when their helicopter crashed. Texas is proud of these brave men who gave the last full measure of devotion to their country. It is appropriate that flags be flown at half-staff in their honor.

Therefore, pursuant to Sections 3100.065 and 443.024(e) of the Texas Government Code and Title 4 of the U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 1 et seq), the flags of the State of Texas and the United States of America shall be lowered immediately to half-staff on the Capitol building in honor of the life and military service of Army Chief Warrant Officer Two David C. Knadle and Chief Warrant Officer Two Kirk T. Fuchigami, Jr. Flags on the Capitol should return to full-staff at sunset on Friday, November 22, 2019.

Pursuant to the direction of the county judges in Tarrant and Bell counties, U.S. and Texas flags may be lowered to half-staff immediately in those counties and in any adjacent or surrounding counties through the date of the burial service or final interment. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the same length of time.

Our prayers for comfort are extended to the Knadle and Fuchigami families in their time of grief. I urge all Texans to appropriately remember the sacrifice they made for Texas and the United States.