Sgt. 1st Class Terryl Pasker, IANG

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff Monday, July 18, 2011 in honor of Iowa National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Terryl Pasker, 39, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Sgt. 1st Class Terryl Pasker was killed in action Saturday, July 9, 2011 during a mounted patrol in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan. Pasker was assigned to Co. B, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Sgt. 1st Class Pasker is survived by his wife Erica; his mother and father, Mary and David Pasker; brother Andrew; and sisters Christine Ross and Rebecca Southard. Memorial services for Sgt.  1st Class Pasker will be held Monday, July 18, 2011 in Cedar Rapids. Gov. Branstad has cleared his schedule to attend the funeral service.

The U.S. flag flown over the state Capitol on the day of the funeral will be presented to Sgt. 1st Class Pasker’s family at a later date, along with a proclamation honoring him.