Kansas Governor Sebelius Directs Flags To Half-Staff In Honor Of Sgt. Jeffery S. Mersman

November 16, 2007 -- In honor of Sergeant Jeffery S. Mersman, from Parker, Kansas, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has directed flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, the day of his funeral service.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Mersman’s family and friends as they honor his memory and pay tribute to life,” Sebelius said. “His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Sgt. Mersman died November 10, in Aranus, Afghanistan from injuries sustained the previous day when his dismount patrol received direct enemy fire. Sgt. Mersman was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy. He entered the Army his senior year at Prairie View High School in LaCygne. This was his fourth deployment.

Since April 2003, nine members of the Kansas National Guard and twelve Kansas residents have lost their lives while serving our country in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In July, Sebelius signed an executive order allowing for the flags of the United States and State of Kansas to be displayed at half-staff throughout the state when a member of the Kansas National Guard or Kansas Air National Guard is killed in the line of duty, or when a Kansas resident serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces is killed in the line of duty. In each instance, the date the flag will fly at half-staff will be designated by the governor.

Source: Kansas Governor

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