Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, January 18, 2011, in memory of U. S. Army Private First Class Robert J. Near, 21, of Granger, who died January 7 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Tuesday, or first thing Wednesday morning, January 18. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.