Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Minnesota flag be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine, who was killed in action in Iraq on February 25, 2006.

Funeral services for Lance Corporal VanAlstine will be held in Superior, Wisconsin this evening.

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

WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine was born on November 2, 1984, in Duluth, Minnesota, to John VanAlstine and Mary Garrity; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine graduated from Superior Senior High School in 2003, and enlisted in the United States Marines in 2004; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Twentynine Palms, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine died a hero in Ramadi, Iraq, on Saturday, February 25, 2006, while protecting his country and fighting for freedom; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine is preceded in death by his father, John VanAlstine; mother, Mary Garrity; paternal grandparents, Andrew and Leola VanAlstine; and maternal grandparents, Paul and Lorraine Garrity; and
 
WHEREAS:       Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine is survived by his sisters, Julie Goodell, Jennifer VanAlstine, and Dawn (Darin) Duffy Meyers; brother, Michael Garrity; four nieces, a nephew and a godchild; step-father, Don Marek; mentor, Daniel Lewis; and many other friends and family who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly; and
 
WHEREAS:       A funeral service for Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2006, at Superior Senior High School in Superior, Wisconsin; and
 
WHEREAS:       Interment with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery; and
 
WHEREAS:       The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine for his dedicated service to the people of this country and wants the family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. 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, March 7, 2006, in honor and remembrance of Lance Corporal Adam John VanAlstine.