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​Governor Parson Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Radford Smith

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(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that the United States and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in honor of United States Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rusten Radford Smith, of St. James, Missouri. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith served as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) with C Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). He was killed, along with eight other Untied States service members, when two UH-60 Blackhawk medical evacuation helicopters crashed near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during a nighttime training mission on March 29, 2023. 

"Rusten's life was cut tragically short, but he gave it in patriotic service to our nation, which he so loved, and we are forever grateful for that service," Governor Parson said. "Rusten was a loving husband, proud father, and devoted friend, and our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him throughout his life. Teresa and I are keeping Rusten's wife and children in our thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith joined the U.S. Army in 2012 and had multiple deployments, including two combat tours to Afghanistan and Europe for the Atlantic Resolve. He was highly skilled and was decorated with several honors and recognitions, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among others. 

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.

*Note: flags will also be held at half-staff when Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zachary G. Esparaza is laid to rest. A formal announcement will be made closer to that date. 
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  • FireCity Illusion
  • May 19 2025 Edition
    • Community >
      • Relief Fund Bethlehem Fire Victims
    • Films and Movies >
      • Bride of Re-Animator 4K Restoration 2026
      • The Sound Opening Nationwide June 27
      • Most Unexpected Action Hero in Guns N Moses
      • This Land New York Premiere
      • Songs of Black Folk World Premiere
    • Politics >
      • Take Sons and Daughters to Work Day
      • Crack Down on Illegal Immigration
      • Trillions in Great Deals Secured
      • One Big Beautiful Bill
      • Bill Protects Medicaid by Removing Illegal Immigrants
      • Truth Social Post President Trump May 16
      • Role of Franchises in American Economy
      • President Trump Advisory Board Members Religious Liberty Commission
      • Risk of CCP Infiltration
      • President Trump's Policies Keep Paying Off
      • President Trump Economic Commitment in Qatar
    • Visual Arts >
      • Installation Images LFG The Hole Tribeca
    • Alabama >
      • Gov Ivey Signs Powering Growth Plan
      • Gov Ivey Signs FOCUS Act
    • Connecticut >
      • Gov Lamont Flags Half Staff Peace Officers Memorial Day
      • Gov Lamont Legislation Cell Phones in Schools
    • Iowa >
      • Gov Reynolds Statement Families First Bill Passing
      • Gov Reynolds Statement Unemployment Insurance Reform Bill
      • Gov Reynolds Statement HF 972 Passing
    • Massachusetts >
      • Gov Healey Accessibility Awareness Day
    • Michigan >
      • Gov Whitmer Recover Rebuild Devastating Ice Storm
      • Gov Whitmer Statement Plan to Cut Medicaid
      • Gov Whitmer Increasing Transparency for Candidates
      • Gov Whitmer Appointments to Bench May 15
    • Missouri >
      • Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Promoted
    • Tennessee >
      • Gov First Lady Visit National Guard
      • Gov Lee Launch Education Freedom Scholarship Program
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