SFC Sean Thomas HARRISBURG, March 29, 2007 – Governor Edward G. Rendell issued the following statement regarding the combat death of Sgt. 1st Class Sean Thomas, 33, of Howard, Centre County: “On behalf of Pennsylvania’s 12.4 million residents, Midge and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sgt. Thomas,” said Governor Rendell. “Sean was a true warrior who took his service to the state and nation very seriously. “His dedication to this country is exemplified through his service record: After an eight-month deployment to Afghanistan in 2005, Sgt. Thomas spent less than a year at home before volunteering to serve in Iraq.” The Governor also ordered that all state flags at state facilities be lowered to half staff on the day of Sgt. Thomas’ funeral. Sgt. Thomas was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 27 during a rocket attack. He was a Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldier serving with the Harrisburg-based 28th Division Support Command. A U.S. contractor was also killed and five other people were wounded during the 7:27 p.m. incident in central Baghdad’s Green Zone. The Green Zone is a secure area in the Iraqi capital city where the U.S. Embassy and the Iraq government and parliament are located. Thomas served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1992 to 1998 and joined the Pennsylvania National Guard on Feb. 20, 1998. He worked full-time at the Fort Indiantown Gap Property Book Office. “Sgt. Thomas proudly served our nation and our state for the past 15 years and he always set an example for others to follow,” said Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, the state’s adjutant general. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carrie, his infant daughter, Alexa, and his extended family. Words cannot describe the loss we feel.” “Sgt. Thomas was not only a model noncommissioned officer and soldier, but a personal friend, loving husband and father,” said Col. Jesse Deets, unit commander. “We have lost one of our family members, and it hurts more than you will ever know. This hero will be in our hearts and minds not only for the remainder of this deployment, but for the rest of our lives. SFC Thomas has made the supreme sacrifice so that we may carry on our duties and continue our mission. Sean can be proud that we did not drop the flag as a result of his sacrifice; he would have it no other way.” Thomas was posthumously promoted to Master Sergeant and awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. He is the 27th Pennsylvania National Guard member killed in action in Iraq. He is survived by his wife, Carrie, a sergeant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard; a daughter, Alexa, six months; his parents, Daniel and Diana Thomas, Hughesville; and brother, David, Hughesville.