Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings be flown at half-staff on May 25 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Trenton L. Rhea.

Sgt. Rhea, age 33, was born in Kansas, was stationed in Belton, and lived in the Liberty area. He was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He died on May 15 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. The Pentagon said Rhea drowned while crossing a body of water during combat operations.

In addition, Gov. Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at all state buildings in Clay County be flown at half-staff from May 26 – May 31.

“Sergeant First Class Rhea served our country with bravery and dedication as a soldier in the United States Army, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn.