WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth enlisted in the United States Army soon after his graduation from high school and served with the 31st Infantry Regiment at Fort Drum, New York; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth proudly became a member of the Training Cadre for the elite 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, before volunteering and qualifying for duty in the Special Forces; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth was deployed to Afghanistan, in March 2006, where he served with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth served with honor and distinction as a member of the elite United States Army Rangers, achieved the highest level of professional military service as a member of the Special Forces, and has been awarded some of our nation's highest commendations for combat service; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth was a courageous soldier who loved his parents, daughter, brother, friends, and community; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth was, in turn, loved by his parents, daughter, brother, friends and neighbors who take great pride in his commitment, heroism, and achievements; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country in Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan, during combat operations; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Longsworth's patriotism and dedicated service to his country and to his fellow soldiers make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey, the state where he was raised and educated, to mark his passing, remember his family as they mourn their loss, and honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on May 31, 2006, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of United States Army Staff Sergeant Christian Longsworth.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 30th day
of May, Two Thousand and Six, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirtieth.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Stuart Rabner