July 21, 2010
Flags lowered to honor war casualty
Under a proclamation signed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, the United States flag and the Illinois flag are at half-staff at all State of Illinois facilities in honor of a U.S. Army soldier killed earlier this month while serving in the war in Afghanistan.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset, Friday, July 23, in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. Donald R. Edgerton.
Reports indicate that Edgerton, 33, formerly of Springfield, died July 10, near Char Dara, Afghanistan, from injuries received when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He died one day after his birthday; Edgerton joined the Army when he was 30 years old, according to reports.
Edgerton was from Murphy, N.C. He graduated in 1995 from Riverton High School, according to reports.
Edgerton was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) in Fort Drum, New York.