Flags lowered to honor war casualty

July 15, 2009

Flags lowered to honor war casualty

Under a proclamation signed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, the United States flag and the Illinois flag are to be at half-staff at all State of Illinois facilities in honor of an Illinois National Guard member killed last week while serving in the military in the war in Afghanistan.

Flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately, beginning Wednesday, July 15, until sunset, Friday, July 17, in honor of U.S. Army Spec. Christopher M. Talbert.

Reports indicate that Talbert, 24, of East Galesburg, died Tuesday, July 7, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle near Shindad, Afghanistan.

Talbert joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 2007 as a combat medic. This was his first deployment, according to the Illinois Army National Guard. He was deployed to Afghanistan in September.

Reports say Talbert volunteered outside his home unit for deployment to Afghanistan. He was serving with the Marion-based, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Battalion, part of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team, at the time of the attack.