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 Thursday, May 17 in honor and remembrance of Specialist Robert Dixon who died a hero while protecting his country and fighting for freedom on May 6, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq.

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

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon was born in Portland, Oregon, on December 30, 1979; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon graduated from Gladwin High School in Gladwin, Michigan, in 1998; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon enlisted in the United States Army in July of 2005; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon deployed to Iraq in February 2007; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon was a devoted soldier who loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon died a hero while fighting for freedom on May 6, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Specialist Robert Dixon is survived by his wife, Rusty Rose-Dixon; sons, Logan and Michael Rice; parents, Dan and Ilene Dixon; grandmother, Laura Spangler; grandmother, Florence Dixon; brother, David (Kanina) Dixon; sister, Gretchen (William “Billy”) Lang; brother, Daniel Austin Dixon (fiancé, Ivette Lopez); nieces and nephews, Starr Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Jayna Lang, Morgan Lang, Will Lang; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: A visitation for Specialist Robert Dixon was held Monday, May 14, 2007, at 4 p.m. at Gladwin High School in Gladwin, Michigan; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Specialist Robert Dixon was held Monday, May 14, 2007, at 6 p.m. at Gladwin High School; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks Specialist Robert Dixon for his dedicated service to the people of this country and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

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 Thursday, May 17, 2007, in honor and remembrance of Specialist Robert Dixon.