WHEREAS, U.S. Army Specialist First Class Carlos Gonzalez, was born in Passaic, New Jersey and attended Passaic Public School until the age of 11; and

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzalez subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2005; and

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzalez served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army's 501st Special Troop Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served in Iraq in the service of his country from September 2005; and

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzalez was a courageous soldier, a devoted husband, a loving father of an eighteen month old daughter, a proud son, and a caring brother; and

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzalez has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzales has been recommended for some of our nation's, highest military honors, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

WHEREAS, SPC Gonzalez'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, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing, to remember his family as they mourn their loss and for the State where he was born and where he will be interred to 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 Saturday, March 25, 2006, in recognition of the life and in mourning of the passing of U.S. Army SPC Carlos Gonzalez.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 23rd day
of March Two Thousand and Six, and of the
Independence of the United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirty First.

/s/ Jon S. Corzine

Governor

Attest:

/s/ Stuart Rabner