JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Thursday, Sept. 5 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Private First Class Jonathon M.D. Hostetter. Private First Class Hostetter, age 20, of Humphreys, was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He died on Aug. 23 while serving his country in Wardak Province, Afghanistan; his funeral will be held on Sept. 5.

In addition, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Sullivan County be flown at half-staff from Sept. 6 to Sept. 11.

“Private First Class Hostetter served our country with bravery and dedication as a soldier in the United States Army, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn.”

Private First Class Hostetter was assigned to the 40th Engineer Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar.

This press release was provided by the staff of Gov. Jay Nixon.

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