In Memoriam....Specialist Jeremiah T. Sancho

From the Executive Chamber of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, October 19 in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died in Afghanistan on October 13.

Specialist Jeremiah T. Sancho died in Kandahar province of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Drum. Specialist Sancho was from Palm Bay, Florida.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Specialist Sancho," Governor Cuomo said.

"This soldier made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our county. We will be forever grateful for his service."

From The G-Man would like to honor Specialist Jeremiah T. Sancho, his love of country, and his service with the following video tribute. May he rest in peace.

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist

In Memoriam.....Private 1st Class Brian J. Backus

From the Executive Chamber of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Governor Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, June 23 in honor of a Fort Drum soldier who died of wounds in Afghanistan on June 18.

Private 1^st Class Brian J. Backus died when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire in Kandahar province. He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 87^th Infantry Regiment of the 10^th Mountain Division's 3^rd Brigade Combat Team. He was from Saginaw Township, Michigan.

"I join with all New Yorkers in extending our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Private 1^st Class Backus," Governor Cuomo said.

"We embrace all of the soldiers stationed at Fort Drum as part of the New York family. We will mourn his passing and honor his contribution to our nation."

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Private 1st Class Brian J. Backus, his love of country and his service with the following video tribute. May he rest in peace.

Video uploaded to YouTube by moderatepopulist