Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri – Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on May 25 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Trenton L. Rhea.
Sergeant First Class Rhea, age 33, of Kansas City, was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He died on May 15 while serving his country in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
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.”
Sergeant First Class Rhea was assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, 530th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Belton, Missouri.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device (3 awards), Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3 awards), Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), Driver and Mechanic Badge (Bar, Driver-W), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, and the Overseas Service Bar (3 awards).
Our thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.
