3/21/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. and State flags displayed at State facilities be lowered to half-staff the entire day of Mar. 21, 2011, the day of services for Andrew Martin Harper, 19, of Maidsville, W.Va.
Harper enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2009 and achieved the rank of Private First Class. Harper served his first tour of duty in Germany starting Jan. 2010 as a member of Company 1, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. In June 2010 he started his second tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Harper died on Mar. 11 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a result of injuries suffered in an all-terrain vehicle accident near Sher'ali Kariz, Afghanistan.
"Today we mourn the tragic loss of a young soldier and a fellow West Virginian," said Gov. Tomblin. "Joanne and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Private First Class Andrew Martin Harper."
He is survived by his mother, Deanna Jeanette Wells; his father, Steven Matthew Harper; his step-father, Craig Lane Wells; his brother, Steven Matthew Harper II; his sister, Bridgett Kathleen Ross (Michael); and step-sister, Camille Sophia Wells, among other family members.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000