WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer was born in Austin, Minnesota, and raised in Ramsey, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer graduated from Elk River Senior High School, Elk River, Minnesota, in 1999; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer enlisted in the United States Army upon graduating from high school; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer was a member of the 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Mannheim, Germany; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer was stationed in Germany, South Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan and aspired to work for the HALO Trust organization. His family and friends knew him to be a kind and intelligent man, committed to serving others; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer died a hero fighting for freedom on Friday, August 22, 2008, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Brian Studer is survived by his mother, Ellen Hanson; father, Gene Studer; sisters, Crystal and Chellee; brother, Philip; and other loving family and friends; and
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks Staff Sergeant Brian Studer for his dedicated service to the people of this country, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all U.S. flags 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 Wednesday, September 3, 2008, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Brian Studer.
