Topeka – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has ordered flags in the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on Friday, September 2nd, in honor of Sergeant Alexander Bennett who died on August 6, 2011, while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

“On behalf of the state of Kansas, I offer my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Sergeant Bennett. Alexander loved flying and loved serving his country. He is a hero in the hearts of Kansans and all Americans,” said Governor Brownback.

SGT Bennett, of Overland Park, was killed in action in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 24 year old was one of 30 brave Americans killed when their Chinook helicopter crashed after taking enemy fire. He is survived by his father, Lt. Colonel Doug Bennett of San Antonio, TX, and his mother, Kim Robertson of Tacoma, WA. Bennett was posthumously promoted to the rank of SGT. Two additional Kansans, SPC Spencer Duncan and CW2 Bryan Nichols, were also lost in the incident.

SGT Bennett was assigned to the 7^th Battalion, 158^th Aviation Regiment, U.S. Army Reserve, New Century AirCenter, Olathe, Kansas. Bennett will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, September 2^nd at 11:00 a.m. EST.