Flags fly at half-staff to commemorate fallen soldier | Community Spirit

Governor Ted Kulongoski has ordered all flags at public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Dec. 15 in memory of Army Sergeant Elijah Johnmiles Rao of West Linn.
 
Rao, 26, died Dec. 5 in Nuristan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Rao attended West Linn High School. His mother and step-father now live in Vancouver and his father lives in the Oregon City/Milwaukie area.
 
“Elijah served his country with honor and distinction,” said Governor Kulongoski. “His service and sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten, and I ask all Oregonians to join me in honoring his memory as flags fly at half-staff on Tuesday.”

More information:

Family: Soldier from Oregon, 26, killed by IED in Afghanistan

Memorial service for fallen soldier Dec. 15