Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty has ordered that 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 Saturday, February 7, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr.

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

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 16, 1973; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. graduated with Honors from Grand Rapids High School, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 1991; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. enlisted in the United States Army upon graduating from high school; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. was a member of the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division based out of Fort Drum, New York; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. was an avid history buff with a passion for flying helicopters, but his true joy was time spent with his wife and children; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. He loved serving his country and did so with great pride; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. died a hero fighting for freedom on Monday, January 26, 2009, outside Kirkuk, Iraq, while serving his third tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. is survived by his wife, Karin; children, Austin and Emmalyn; step-daughter, Miranda; mother, Ruth; brother, Bruce; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Patty; niece, Kyra; nephews, Logan and Owen; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. was preceded in death by his father, Philip Windorski Sr., a United States Navy veteran; grandparents, William Windorski, Muriel Windorski, Joseph Seavey, Ethel Thompson; and step-grandmother, Marilyn Seavey; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. will be held Friday, February 6, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service with full military honors for Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. will be held Saturday, February 7, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota thanks Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr. 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 Saturday, February 7, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Chief Warrant Officer Three Philip E. Windorski Jr.