Governor Tim Pawlenty today ordered that all U.S. 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 Saturday, July 16, 2005, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature.

Governor Pawlenty will attend funeral services for Chief Warrant Officer Goodnature in Albert Lea on Saturday morning.

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

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature was born to Deb and Don Goodnature on February 13, 1970, in Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Associate's Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1991; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature joined the U.S. Army in October of 1991 and served as a parachute rigger at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He attended the Warrant Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama.  Upon graduation from Flight School in 1995, Chief Warrant Officer Goodnature's first assignment was flying UH-1s in Korea.  In 1996 he was assigned to Camp Wheeler, Hawaii. He assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 1998 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Air Field, Georgia, as an MH-47D Chinook pilot; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature was committed to serving his country as an Army Aviator and did so honorably for over fourteen years.  Corey spent seven of his years of service flying with fellow Night Stalkers and supporting Special Operation forces; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature died a hero in Eastern Afghanistan, on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, while protecting his country and fighting for freedom; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature loved being outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing with his boys.  Since childhood, he lived up to the family name, carrying a gentle demeanor, yet a strong presence.  Corey was a devoted husband and a loving father; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature is survived by his beloved wife, Lori; two sons, Shea and Brennan; parents, Deb and Don Goodnature; sister, Amy Purdy; grandmothers, Delores Goodnature and Lola Partlow; and many other family and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature's awards and decorations include: the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Airborne Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Rigger Badge.  He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with "V" device, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Action Badge; and

WHEREAS: The memorial service for Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature was held Friday, July 8, 2005, at the Isle of Hope Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia; the funeral will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2005, at Albert Lea United Methodist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota; the interment will take place following the funeral, with full military honors, at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks the family of Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature for his dedicated service to the people of this country and wants the family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. 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 Saturday, July 16, 2005, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature.