NY to Fly Flags at Half-Staff Dec. 23 in Honor of Air National Guardsman Killed by Taliban

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Dec. 23 in honor of the New York Air National Guard member who died in Afghanistan on Monday.

New York Air National Guard Technical Sgt. Joseph Lemm, a resident of West Harrison, was killed in an incident outside Bagram Air Base. He was a member of the 105th Security Forces Squadron, which is an element of the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base at Newburgh, N.Y.

“Staff Sgt. Joe Lemm served this nation with the selflessness and bravery that embodies the U.S. Armed forces and the NYPD,” Cuomo said. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, fellow officers and service members.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), a Harrison resident, said, ”His commitment and dedication to protecting others made him a true patriot. My thoughts are with his wife and children as well as the loved ones of all six Americans who lost their lives in this horrific attack.”