Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV was born in Golden Valley, Minnesota, on April 29, 1982; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV graduated from Tartan High School, Oakdale, Minnesota, in 2000; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard on March 15, 2006, after a short break in service from the United States Army Reserve; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV was a member of the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard based out of Stillwater, Minnesota; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV died a hero fighting for freedom on Thursday, July 16, 2009, in Basra, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV is survived by his mother, Charlene; brother, Charles III; sisters, Ona and Bianca; and other loving family and friends; and

Whereas: Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV was preceded in death by his father, Charles Wilcox, Jr.; and

Whereas: Visitation for Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV will be held Friday, July 24, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Light the Way Church, Cottage Grove, Minnesota; and

Whereas: A funeral service for Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV will be held Friday, July 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Light the Way Church, Cottage Grove, Minnesota; and

Whereas: Interment with full military honors will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at New Albany National Cemetery, New Albany, Indiana; and

Whereas: The State of Minnesota recognizes Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

Now, Therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol Complex, including state buildings, monuments, and grounds in proximity to and including the Minnesota State Capitol, from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Carlos E. Wilcox IV.