CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, N.Y., Thurs. June 26, 2008: New York State flags will fly at half staff tomorrow, in honor of a fallen Jamaican soldier and his two colleagues, all members of the New York Army National Guard.

Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, 36, Jamaica-born but resident in South Ozone Park, Queens, died on June 21 in Afghanistan. He and fellow soldiers Spc. Anthony Mangano of Suffolk County and Spc. Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez of Massachusetts were traveling through Kandahar when their vehicle was attacked by a bomb and gunfire.

‘On behalf of the citizens of New York I want to express my deepest regret at the loss of these three members of the New York Army National Guard,’ New York State Governor David Patterson said yesterday. ‘These brave soldiers fought to protect their state and nation and it is with terrible sadness but also tremendous pride that we remember their sacrifice. Our hearts go out to their families and their fellow soldiers.’

Queens Councilman Leroy Comrie also expressed his condolences.

‘I want to urge my fellow New Yorkers to remember the Seabrooks family in their prayers, with the added hope that we shall soon see the safe return of our remaining young men and women currently serving abroad,’ said Comrie.

Seabrook migrated to New York City as a child and attended the Automotive High School. In the National Guard, he was assigned to the New York Army National Guard’s 101st Calvary , 2nd Squadron (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition).

Seabrooks’ funeral is being arranged and no details were available at press time.