SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today has issued an executive order lowering flags across the state to half staff in honor and mourning of Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41. Westbrook died on October 7 as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty last month.

Westbrook’s late brother, Army Sgt. Marshall A. Westbrook, was the first New Mexico soldier killed during combat in Iraq.

Governor Richardson spoke to the mother of SFC Westbrook last week after learning about his death.

“On behalf of every New Mexican, I expressed my deepest sympathy and gratitude to Mrs. Westbrook and her family over the loss of her son, Kenneth and her elder son Marshall who was killed in the line of duty four years ago. This is a terrible tragedy. I am deeply saddened by the great loss this family has suffered.”

SFC Kenneth Westbrook was a native of Shiprock, New Mexico. He joined the Army soon after graduating from Shiprock High School in 1987. He dedicated his life to the Army and over the past 21 years served in Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. SFC Westbrook was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Ft. Riley, Kansas.

SFC Westbrook is survived by his wife, Charlene and three sons, Zachary, 20, Joshua, 18, and Joseph, 14; his parents Marshall and Ruth Westbrook; brothers David and Richard Westbrook and sister Sandra Ray. He was preceded in death by his brother, Army Sgt. Marshall A. Westbrook.

In memory of Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth W. Westbrook’s service and dedication to his country, Governor Richardson signed an Executive Order directing flags be flown at half-staff from Friday, October 16, 2009 through sundown on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

Full text of proclamation follows:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2009-039

FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF STAFF IN HONOR AND MOURNING
OF UNITED STATES ARMY SERGEANT FIRST CLASS KENNETH W. WESTBROOK

WHEREAS, SFC Kenneth W. Westbrook passed away on October 7, 2009, from injuries sustained on September 8, 2009, while fighting in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Ganjigal Valley, Afghanistan;

WHEREAS, SFC Kenneth W. Westbrook was born August 13, 1968, in Ft. Riley, Kansas and grew up in Shiprock, New Mexico. He graduated from Shiprock High School in 1987 and entered the military on July 16, 1987. SFC Westbrook served 21 years in the Army, including a tour of duty in the Desert Storm Campaign and had also been stationed in Germany and Korea. SFC Westbrook was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Ft. Riley, Kansas. His brother, Sgt. Marshall “Alan” Westbrook was killed in Iraq on October 1, 2005;

WHEREAS, SFC Kenneth W. Westbrook is survived by his wife of 21 years, Charlene; and three sons, Zachary, Joshua, and Joseph; his parents Marshall and Ruth Westbrook; brothers David and Richard Westbrook and sister Sandra Ray; and

WHEREAS, SFC Kenneth W. Westbrook’s patriotism, bravery, and dedication to the nation will always be remembered.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff from Friday, October 16, 2009, until sundown on Saturday, October 17, 2009, in honor and mourning of United States Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth W. Westbrook. The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to his family as well as a heartfelt appreciation for his courageous service.

ATTEST: DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS
14TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2009

MARY HERRERA WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT
SECRETARY OF STATE SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

BILL RICHARDSON

GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO

Editor’s Note: November 11, 2009 is Veterans Day