Thaindian News

DES MOINES, IOWA (BNO NEWS) — Iowa Governor Chet Culver on Thursday ordered that all flags in the state shall be flown at half staff on Saturday to honor a soldier who was killed in southern Afghanistan last week.

Command Sergeant Major John K. Laborde, 53, died of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident at Kandahar Air Field on April 22. Details on his death were not released.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of an outstanding soldier who was bravely serving his country,” Culver said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Command Sgt. Maj. Laborde’s family as they mourn the loss of a cherished husband, father and grandfather. Command Sgt. Maj. Laborde dedicated his life to defending our freedoms, and I join all Iowans in expressing gratitude for his service.”

Laborde was a Reinbeck, Iowa resident and U.S. Army Reserve soldier assigned to the 649th Regional Support Group based in Cedar Rapids.

The Governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor’s proclamation that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces. Flags will be at half staff on the State Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Funeral services for Laborde will be held Saturday in Reinbeck. The U.S. flag flown over the State Capitol on the day of Laborde’s funeral will be presented to the family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring Laborde.