Flags Lowered in Honor of US Army Soldier Edward Balli

File photo, American flag, by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Flags will be lowed from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Feb. 7, in honor of US Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Balli.

Balli, 42, of Kapolei on Oʻahu, died on Jan. 20 in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan of wounds from small arms fire when he was attacked by insurgents, according to information released by the US Department of Defense.

Authorities say he was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, US Army Europe, Vilseck, Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Governor Neil Abercrombie ordered the lowering of US and state flags to half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities.

“Edward was valued by his fellow ‘Dragons’ as much for his kindness as his strength of leadership,” said Gov. Abercrombie in a government issued press release. “We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.”