Flags to half staff
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 02:30 p.m., February 26, 2008
Updated 02:31 p.m., February 26, 2008
Flags in Kansas are to be flown at half-staff on Friday in honor of Staff Sgt. Bryant W. Mackey of Eureka, who died Wednesday while serving in Iraq.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius ordered the observance from sunup to sundown on Friday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Mackey’s family and friends,” the governor said. “His courage and sacrifice will be remembered as we lower our flags in honor of his life and service.”
Mackey was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. A 1996 graduate of Hamilton High School, Mackey enlisted in the Army in the summer of 2001 and was on his second tour in Iraq, according to the governor’s office.
Since April 2003, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have claimed the lives of nine members of the Kansas National Guard and seven Kansas servicemen.
karyle (anonymous) says...
My thoughts go out to this young man's family and friends. My son is a soldier in the Army and I have much respect for all who have the guts and respect for our country to defend it. Those people that give us the right to have freedom deserve so much. Does everyone ever stop to think about our fellow americans who don't sleep, eat from cans, don't shower for days on end, who freeeze, and who watch humans take the lives of humans. When you are having a bad day. . .think about that!!! Now think of what this family is going through, I am. A prayer goes out to Bryant and his loved ones.
February 26, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporia_soldier (anonymous) says...
Just wanted to send a little note to this family saying that every American soldier stands behind you in your loss!! We have lost a brother and leader as well. It doesn't matter where in the world we are deployed to we always think and say a prayer for our fellow soldiers and their families. I am very sorry for your loss.
February 26, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GOODONE (anonymous) says...
Here is a link to a Guest Book in honor of Staff Sgt Mackey.
http://www.legacy.com/Kansas/GB/Guest...
February 29, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bjnemp (anonymous) says...
Freedom isn't free... and those willing to pay the ultimate price for that freedom are heroes and patriots. God bless America and God bless Staff Sgt. Mackey.
February 29, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )