Flags Lowered in Honor of Army Specialist Paul J. Atim

Gov. Bob McDonnell ordered the flag of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia to be lowered at state facilities in honor of Paul J. Atim, an Army specialist killed in Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. The flags were lowered on May 17 and will remain at half-staff until sunset.

Atim had served in Afghanistan on previous deployments and was deployed again last month.

His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement medals, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He also completed the army's Warrior Leadership and Combat Life Savers courses.