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 Tuesday, October 20, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist George W. Cauley.

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley was born in Crosby, Minnesota, on March 13, 1985; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley graduated from Northland High School in Remer, Minnesota, in 2003; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley joined the Minnesota Army National Guard on March 20, 2002; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley was a Heavy Vehicle Operator and a member of the 114th Transportation Company “Wolfpack”; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He had a smile that will never be forgotten and took pride in wearing the uniform of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley died a hero on Saturday, October 10, 2009, in Bagram, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered October 7, 2009, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley is survived by his parents, Richard and Gloria; uncles and aunts, Jerry and Ethel, Charles and Ann, Gary and Pat, Bruce and Kay, Alice and Jack, Phyllis and Bill, Mary and Darrell, Mark, Charlotte, and Vicki; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Specialist George W. Cauley was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lou and George, and Delores and Wayne; uncles, Patrick and Gary; and cousin, John; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Specialist George W. Cauley will be held Monday, October 19, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dennis Funeral Home, Walker, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Specialist George W. Cauley will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Ripley Memorial Chapel, Little Falls, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Specialist George W. Cauley 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 Tuesday, October 20, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Specialist George W. Cauley.