WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class David J. Bentz, III of Newfield, Gloucester County, New Jersey, graduated from Clayton High School in 2004; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz, who was known for his smile and determination, played soccer for his high school team; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz enlisted in the United States Army after his graduation from high school and served in the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz was a dedicated soldier as well as a loving son, brother, and friend, whose memory lives in the hearts of his family and fellow soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, during a time of war while serving as a member of the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz has been recommended for some of our nation's highest military honors; and
WHEREAS, Private Bentz's patriotism and dedicated service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to remember him and his family, to mark his passing, and 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:
- 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 Friday, June 29, 2007, in recognition and mourning
of a brave and loyal American, United States Army Private First Class David
J. Bentz, III.
- This Order shall take effect immediately.
GIVEN, under my hand and seal
this 27th day
of June,
Two Thousand and Seven, and
of the
Independence of the
United States, the Two
Hundred and Thirty-First.
/s/ Jon S. Corzine
Governor
Attest:
/s/ Kenneth H. Zimmerman
Chief Counsel to the Governor