New York state has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of a U.S. military member from Upstate New York.
WROC reports flags at all New York state government buildings and facilities will be at half-staff Wednesday, July 5, and Thursday, July 6, as a tribute to U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kory Wade. Wade, 33, was found dead in Arizona on June 17 after disappearing during a training exercise days earlier at Roosevelt Lake.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Staff Sergeant Kory Wade and extend my deepest sympathies to Sergeant Wade’s family and loved ones on behalf of all New Yorkers,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks the brave men and women in our nation’s military face every day to keep us safe.”
Wade is a native of Shortsville, N.Y., located 50 miles east of Syracuse, in Ontario County. His body returned home on June 28, according to WROC.
According to his obituary, Wade was born in Canandaigua and attended Red Jacket High School in the Manchester-Shortsville School District. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduating in 2008.
Wade was a medical logistics airman with the 48th Rescue Squadron, according to the Air Force. He received multiple awards for his service, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon.
“Sergeant Wade was a model Airman and consummate professional while assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron and he will be deeply missed,” Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing commander, said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Sergeant Wade’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base leaders are postured to provide comfort and assistance to our community as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Survivors include Wade’s parents, uncles and aunts, several cousins, and Kory’s dog Kaiser. Family is meeting with friends at Red Jacket High School Wednesday before a memorial service and a private burial at Sampson Veterans Cemetery in Romulus.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Happy Tails Animal Shelter in Canandaigua.
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