Albany, NY - September 7, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, September 10 in honor of a New York Air National Guard member who died in Afghanistan on Thursday, September 5.
New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico Jr., a resident of New Fairfield, Connecticut, died of small arms fire while on patrol outside Bagram Air Base. He was a member of the 105th Security Forces Squadron, which is an element of the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base at Newburgh, N.Y.
The 105th Security Forces Squadron deployed a team to Bagram Air Force Base in June to help provide security there.
“The loss of Staff Sgt. Lobraico is the first New York Air National Guard death in combat since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001,” Governor Cuomo said. “This young airman served our nation honorably and well, and we will remember him and his service with gratitude. Along with all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to the family, friends, and comrades of Staff Sgt. Lobraico.”
Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to our state's service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.