KATU.COM -- SALEM, Ore. - Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski has asked that all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 in memory and honor of Oregon National Guard Sergeant John B. Ogburn III of Fruitland, Idaho.

Sgt. Ogburn, 45, died May 22, 2005 near Kirkuk, Iraq in a vehicle accident. Ogburn was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Brigade Combat Team. His unit was assigned to conduct peacekeeping missions in Iraq.

Ogburn was also a State of Oregon employee. He worked for the Department of Corrections - Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Oregon for three years before he was deployed to Iraq in June 2004.

"The men and women of the Oregon National Guard are courageously serving a key part of our nation’s armed forces; facing hardship, danger, and sacrifice in defense of freedom. When they are not serving they are our educators, business owners, bakers, farmers, grocery clerks, sales representatives, and even from our state workforce; they represent all walks of life," said Governor Kulongoski. "Sergeant John Ogburn’s incredible willingness to serve, for the sake of his values and his country will be a source of pride to Oregon for generations to come. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all families who have loved ones away at war."

In addition to all flags at half-staff on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, the Governor has ordered flags to half-staff at all Department of Corrections facilities until the interment of Sergeant John B. Ogburn III.