Governor Andrew Cuomo. (Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Image News)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on Thursday and Friday after two New York service members were killed in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian, 39, of Warwick, N.Y., died during “combat operations” in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
“I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of Staff Sgt. Christian,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, his friends and his fellow Marines. We will honor his service and sacrifice and his dedication to our nation.”
Cpl. Davisd M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, Colo, was also killed. The two were deployed with the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The deaths are being investigated, but the military did not provide any further information.
Today, Cuomo announced that Army Staff Sgt. Francis G. Phillips IV, 28, died after his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device in Maiwand, Afghanistan.
Phillips was from Meridian, N.Y., according to the governor’s office.
