Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that all U.S. 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 Saturday, October 17, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Major Tad T. Hervas.

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas was born in Cumberland, Wisconsin, on January 16, 1961; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas graduated from Coon Rapids High School, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, in 1979; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas began his military career in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and served in the Air Force as a Lieutenant in the first Gulf War; and

WHEREAS: After September 11, 2001, Major Tad T. Hervas joined the Minnesota National Guard and was a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, making others happy, sports, his dogs, and fly fishing; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas died a hero on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, in Basra, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas is survived by his parents, Ned and Barb; brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Lynn; brothers, Kurt, Cory, and Kevin; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Brian; grandmothers, Bertha and Clara; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Major Tad T. Hervas was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Melvin and Leonard; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Major Tad T. Hervas will be held Friday, October 16, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, Coon Rapids, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Major Tad T. Hervas will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Saturday, October 17, 2009, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Major Tad T. Hervas 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 all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, October 17, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Major Tad T. Hervas.