Flags ordered half-staff for Warwick Marine killed in Afghanistan

WARWICK — Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, May 9, in honor of Marine Staff Sgt. Eric D. Christian, a 39-year-old resident of Warwick who died in Farah Province, Afghanistan, on May 4.

“I join with all New Yorkers in mourning the loss of Staff Sgt. Christian,” Cuomo said in his proclamation. “I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, his friends and his fellow Marines. We will honor his service and sacrifice and his dedication to our nation.”

Christian, who joined the Marines in 2003, was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

‘Green on blue’ attack
According to a Defense Department report, Christian and another Marine, Cpl. David M. Sonka, 23, of Parker, Colorado, died while conducting combat operations. It was Christian’s fifth tour of duty.

Although the incident is still under investigation, several media reports stated that Christian was killed by an Afghan soldier who used his weapon on the two U.S. troops. The Afghan was subsequently killed by other Marines.

News accounts also say that the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the incident.

According to an NBC Channel 4 report, the soldiers and a military dog were shot and killed in what is called a “green on blue” attack, where, on occasion, Afghan soldiers in training have turned their weapons on their instructors.

Christian, who grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Ramsey High School, was not married and had no children. He is survived by his mother, Linda, who lives in Warwick, and three brothers.

He had called Warwick home for the past eight years.

Christian’s body was flown to Dover Air Force Base on Tuesday. The family members, who traveled to Delaware to retrieve the body, plan to hold a memorial service in Ramsey, N.J., after Christian’s burial in Arlington National Cemetery.

- Roger Gavan