Tompkins County government is expressing its sadness and condolence regarding the death this week of 24-year-old Sgt. James G. Johnston, of Trumansburg, killed on Tuesday while on duty in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Johnston died from injuries sustained during a combat operation in Uruzgan Province, according to a news release from the Department of Defense.
Flags will fly at half-staff in Tompkins County, and across New York State, as ordered by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Martha Robertson, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature said:
“At age 24, Sgt. Johnston had his whole life ahead of him. We are profoundly saddened by this loss and send our deepest condolences, and gratitude for his service, to his family.”
“On behalf of all New Yorkers I extend our sympathy to the friends, family, and fellow soldiers of Sgt. Johnston,” said Governor Cuomo in a statement. “His death is a reminder of the sacrifices members of the military make to protect the freedoms and the values that this state and this nation were founded upon.”