Post date: Sep 14, 2013 12:29:37 AM
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: United States Army Sergeant First Class Ricardo Deandrell Young of Rosston, Arkansas, born on November 28, 1978, was a dedicated and courageous soldier, who was deeply loved by his family and many friends, and died of injuries sustained from small arms fire on August 28, 2013, while serving our country in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS: Born in Prescott, Arkansas, Ricardo was the beloved son of Dexter and Richard Young, Jr., of Rosston; the devoted husband of April Young of Fayetteville, North Carolina; the adoring father of his children, Markell Artis and Make’La Young; the loving brother of Sharona Young of Rosston; and the cherished grandson of Joy C. Heard, as well as a much loved member of his extended family and a loyal friend to scores of people from across the world; and
WHEREAS: Ricardo joined the Army on September 17, 1997, as an infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia, later reporting to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his distinguished 15-year career in the Army, he completed two tours of duty in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His comrades-in-arms will remember his unique sense of humor, his positive attitude as a leader and team player, and his passion and energy for every task he undertook. He loved being a member of the U.S. Army, as evidenced by the many awards and decorations he earned over his military career; and
WHEREAS: Sergeant Young sacrificed his life near Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan, as a member of the Army, assigned to the 738th Engineer Support Company, 307th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS: All Arkansans and United States citizens owe Ricardo a lasting debt of gratitude for his bravery and his heroism and should pay tribute to his faithful service; and
WHEREAS: Citizens of this State and Nation extend deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Sergeant Ricardo D. Young;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by law, in tribute to the memory of Ricardo Deandrell Young, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff on Saturday, September 14, 2013.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 10th day of September, in the year of our Lord 2013.