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 Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge.

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

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 22, 1984; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge graduated from Burnsville High School, Burnsville, Minnesota, in 2002; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge enlisted in the United States Army in the summer of 2004; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge was a member of A Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army based out of Fort Lewis, Washington; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge was a devoted soldier and selfless leader. His life was focused on his family, serving his country, and his faith; and WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge died a hero on Thursday, September 3, 2009, in Baqubah, Iraq, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS: Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge is survived by his wife, Dellonamarie; sons, Dallas and Austin; parents, Paul and Barbara; brother, Specialist Brent P. Selge; sisters, Tracy and Kara; grandparents, Paul and Myrtle and Harold and Doris; and other loving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Visitation for Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge will be held Monday, September 14, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at J.S. Klecatsky and Sons Funeral Home, Eagan, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: A funeral service for Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 12:00 p.m. at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Lakeville, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: Interment with full military honors will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota recognizes Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge for his dedicated service to and sacrifice for the people of this country with our deepest gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.

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 Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in honor and remembrance of Staff Sergeant Todd W. Selge.