Alaska Governor Palin Orders Flags Lowered for Fallen Alaska Soldiers

November 9, 2007, Juneau, Alaska - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff next week in honor and memory of two soldiers from Alaska who were killed in the line of duty.

Staff Sergeant Carletta S. Davis, 34, who grew up in Anchorage, died Monday when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle in Tal al-Dahab, Iraq. She was a flight medic assigned to C Company, 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. Davis graduated from East High School in 1991 and joined the Army in 1994.

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Sergeant Derek T. Stenroos, 24, of North Pole died in the same incident. He was a military policeman assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Stenroos graduated from North Pole High School in 2001 and joined the Army in 2004.

“With great sadness, Todd and I join all Alaskans in mourning the loss of these valiant soldiers. Their dedication and devotion will never be forgotten. We send our sincere condolences and prayers to their families, friends and fellow soldiers as they grieve the loss of their loved ones,” Governor Palin said.

State flags will fly at half-staff in memory of Sergeant Stenroos on Friday, November 16, 2007, the day of his service in Fairbanks. State flags will remain lowered for Staff Sergeant Davis on Saturday, November 17, 2007, the day of her funeral in Fairbanks. State flags will be raised to full-staff at sunrise on Sunday, November 18, 2007.

Source: Alaska Governor