All United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, December 15, 2019, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr.
The Governor’s proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers, Jr. dedicated ten years of exemplary service to the Minnesota National Guard; and
WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers,Jr. served with distinction on two deployments in the Middle East with the Minnesota National Guard, from May 2011 to May 2012 in Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and from June 2018 to June 2019 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve where the unit provided aerial medical evacuation; and
WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers,Jr. loved spending time with friends and family and could always be counted on for a practical joke, a great laugh, friendly smile, or a kind word just when it was needed most; and
WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers,Jr. died tragically in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash nine minutes after take-off from St. Cloud, Minnesota, on a routine maintenance flight; and
WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers, Jr. is survived by his parents James and Beth Rogers, sister Candis Folkens, brother-in-law Bryan Folkens, grandmother Patricia Hoffman, and 19 aunts and uncles; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr. for his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice to our state and country. All thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and members of the Minnesota National Guard.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise until sunset on Sunday, December 15, 2019, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer 2 James A. Rogers Jr.