Today, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 324, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to honor the life of United States Army Sergeant David Solinas, Jr. In a tragic accident last week, Sergeant Solinas and eight other U.S. soldiers were killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during a training exercise in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the passing of Sergeant Solinas and his eight fellow soldiers, and we extend our deepest sympathy to Sergeant Solinas’ family, friends, teammates, and fellow servicemembers,” said Governor Murphy. “A New Jersey native, Sergeant Solinas graduated from River Dell High School, and enlisted in the military in 2018. He served as a Flight Paramedic for the Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, since October 2022 and was recognized for his service to our country with awards and ribbons, including the Army Commendation medal and the National Defense Service medal. We will forever honor and cherish the memory of Sergeant Solinas, a beloved son, brother, friend, teammate, and servicemember whose presence will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, and by the people of New Jersey.”