Flags to fly at half-staff

Robert Paul Kassin memorial service: 2:30 p.m. today at Highland Baptist Church.

Gov. Bill Richardson has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff Monday and Tuesday to honor Clovis Infantryman Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin, according to a news release from the governor.

Kassin, 29, died July 16 while serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Services are 2:30 p.m. today at Highland Baptist Church.

Here is the text of the governor’s Executive Order:

Executive Order 2006-041

Flags flown at half staff in honor and mourning of Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin.

Whereas, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin, age 29, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2006, while serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan;

Whereas, Sgt. Kassin of Clovis, New Mexico, was born on January 22, 1977, in Flint, Michigan. His family moved to Clovis in 1990 when his father was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base and Sgt. Kassin attended Junior High and High School in Clovis;

Whereas, Sgt. Kassin joined the Army in September 1996 and was an infantryman to the C Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10 Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La., serving as part of Task Force Warrior in the southern Afghanistan region;

Whereas, Sgt. Kassin is survived by his parents, Robert Joseph and Lucia Kassin, his wife, two sisters, a son and two stepdaughters; and

Whereas, Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin’s patriotism, bravery and dedication to the State of New Mexico will always be remembered.

Now, therefore, I, Governor Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff from Monday, July 24, 2006, until sundown on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, in honor and mourning of U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Paul Kassin. The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to his family as well as a heartfelt thank you for his courageous service.