FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings remain at half-staff in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died April 9 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Specialist Jacob J. Fairbanks, 22, of Saint Paul, Minn., died in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funeral, for which arrangements are pending.

Individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute by lowering flags to half-staff.

Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of Pfc. Shane D. Penley, of Sauk Village, Ill., who died April 6 at Patrol Base Copper, Iraq, from wounds suffered while on duty at a guard post. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Flag status information is available at www.governor.ky.gov.

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