Codey Orders Flags to Fly Half-Staff to Honor Specialist David P. Mahlenbrock

(TRENTON)—In honor of U.S. Army Specialist David P. Mahlenbrock, 20, of Maple Shade, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed an Executive Order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly half-staff Monday, December 13.

“Specialist Mahlenbrock’s courage and commitment make him worthy of the highest honor,” Acting Governor Codey said. “He made the greatest possible sacrifice for the country he loves. New Jersey and America are proud of him, just as his family and community are proud of him. We will keep Specialist Mahlenbrock and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Specialist Mahlenbrock died Dec. 3 in Kirkuk, Iraq. He was clearing a route when an improvised explosive device detonated.  He was assigned to the 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

A copy of the Executive Order is attached:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 11

WHEREAS, U.S. Army Specialist David Mahlenbrock, a resident of Maple Shade, graduated from Maple Shade High School in 2002, where he was a member of the football team and captain of the wrestling team; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Mahlenbrock enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduation, and planned to make a career of his service in the Army; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Mahlenbrock served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army’s 65^th Engineer Battalion, 25^th Infantry Division, and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country in January 2004; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Mahlenbrock was a courageous soldier, and a loving husband, father, son and brother; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Mahlenbrock has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and

WHEREAS, Specialist Mahlenbrock’s patriotism and dedicated service to his country make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD J. CODEY, Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1.      The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, December 13, 2004, in recognition and mourning of U.S. Army Specialist David Mahlenbrock.

2.      This Order shall take effect immediately.

                                                              GIVEN, under my hand and seal this                                                                                                              10th          day of December

in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-Ninth.

                                                           Richard J. Codey

                                                           Acting Governor

          [seal]

Attest:

/s/ Mark J. Fleming

Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor