RIP Private William Andrew Long

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: Army Private William Andrew Long, born in Long Beach, California, on
June 26, 1985, a dedicated and courageous soldier, deeply loved by his family
and many friends, died June 1, 2009, in a brutal attack while serving his
country as part of the Army's Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program in Little
Rock, Arkansas; and

WHEREAS: Andy was the beloved son of Daris and Janet Long of Conway,
Arkansas; the devoted brother of Vanessa Rice of Conway and Triston Long of
Fort Bliss, Texas; the cherished grandson of James and Virginia Roberson of
Conway and Betty Long of Salt lake City, Utah; as well as a loyal friend to
scores of people from across the world; and

WHEREAS: Andy had recently finished Army training at Fort Benning, Georgia,
where he was known as very outgoing and helpful to others, an infantryman
following in the footsteps of a proud military family, and eager to serve his
country; and

WHEREAS: Private Long sacrificed his life on United States soil, as he was
working to strengthen our Armed Forces and looking forward to his first
deployment in defense of our American ideals; and

WHEREAS: All Arkansans and United States citizens owe Andy a lasting debt of
gratitude for his bravery and his heroism and should pay tribute to his
faithful service; and

WHEREAS: Citizens of this State and Nation extend deepest sympathy to the
family and loved ones of Private William Andrew Long;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue
of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, in
tribute to the memory of Andy Long and as an expression of public sorrow, do
hereby direct that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be
flown at half-staff on Monday, June 8, 2009.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal
of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 5th day of June, in the year of
our Lord 2009.