Gov. Ritter orders lowering of flags on Nov. 21

Gov. Bill Ritter today ordered that both the United States flag and the Colorado state flag be lowered on all public buildings throughout Colorado on Friday, Nov.21, 2008, in honor of Sergeant Jonnie Stiles, 38, of Highlands Ranch.

Sgt. Stiles died on Nov. 13, 2008 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained while his patrol encountered an improvised explosive device in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Sgt. Stiles was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. His interment will take place at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at 10:30 A.M.