Soldier Death Prompts Lowering Of Harford County Flag

BEL AIR, MD - The Harford County flag was lowered Tuesday in recognition of the loss of Staff Sgt. Mark De Alencar, the Edgewood special forces soldier who died while in combat in Afghanistan.

De Alencar, 37, was killed by enemy forces using small arms fire in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province on April 8.

"The citizens of Harford County honor the ultimate sacrifice by Staff Sgt. Mark De Alencar in the defense of our nation and extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family and friends," County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement Tuesday.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also sent his condolences.

"It is with a heavy heart today that we learn of the passing of Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar of Harford County, who died in the line of duty while serving his country in Afghanistan," Hogan wrote on Facebook Monday. "The First Lady and I send our most sincere condolences to his wife, Natasha, their five children, and all of his loved ones."

De Alencar graduated from Joppatowne High School in 1998. He enlisted in 2009 and became part of the special forces in 2016, according to the Army Times, which reported he was a decorated soldier, earning the Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals and many more recognitions.

He is survived by his wife and five children.

A funeral date has not been set, military officials told Patch on Tuesday.

Glassman said the county flag will remain at half-staff until sunset on the date of interment.

Related: Edgewood Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Pictured, a U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar on April 10 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaron J. Jenne.