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 Monday, November 30, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Private First Class Kham Xiong.

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong was born in Chingkhm, Thailand, on April 14, 1986; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong graduated from Community of Peace Academy in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 2004; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong joined the United States Army on October 15, 2008; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong was a member of Company A, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong was a devoted soldier and selfless leader, and had a great ability to make people smile and laugh; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong died a hero on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, Texas, while preparing to deploy to Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS: Private First Class Kham Xiong is survived by his wife, Shoua; children, Kaylee, Devyn, and Jonah; parents, Chor and Pa; brothers, Lance Corporal Nelson Xiong, Robert, Richard, Phillip, and Kevin; sisters, Tsee, Tiffany, Mee, Dan Bee, and Maxy; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Private First Class Kham Xiong will be held Saturday, November 28, 2009, through Monday, November 30, 2009, at Legacy Funeral Home, Maplewood, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Monday, November 30, 2009, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Private First Class Kham Xiong 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 Monday, November 30, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Private First Class Kham Xiong.