Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, of Chino Valley, was killed on Tuesday while serving his country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Governor Jan Brewer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff today, in honor of Sgt. McNabb.
Sgt. 1st Class McNabb was in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Washington.
“On Thursday, we will commemorate Flag Day and reflect upon those who serve and sacrifice in the name of our Nation and its Stars and Stripes. Please keep Sgt. 1st Class McNabb in your thoughts, and offer a special prayer for him and his loved ones. Also, please pray for his fellow brothers and sisters in uniform as they continue to risk their lives in defense of the freedoms we hold dear.
“It is with a heavy heart that I ask you to join me in offering a prayer for a fallen Arizona hero; Sgt. 1st Class Barett McNabb. In honor of Sgt. 1st Class McNabb, I have ordered that all State flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, June 14, 2012, as well as on the day of interment, for which services are pending. May we never forget his service.”
McNabb was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. It was his fifth tour of duty in the Middle East.