Charleston - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today ordered all U.S. and state flags at all state-owned facilities be lowered from dawn to dusk Wednesday, October 14, 2015, the day of memorial services for Staff Sergeant Ryan Hammond.

 

"Joanne and I were truly saddened to hear of the death of one of West Virginia's brave service men," Gov. Tomblin said. "We join all West Virginians as we mourn the loss of Staff Sergeant Hammond, and we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and fellow comrades who continue their mission overseas."

 

Staff Sergeant Hammond was a 2007 graduate of John Marshall High School. He enlisted in United States Air Force in September 2007 as an F-15 Avionics Technician at Tyndall Airforce Base in Florida and Seymour Air Force Base in North Carolina. In March 2014, he was stationed to Dyess Air Force Base in Abeline, Texas where he cross-trained to be a Loadmaster. He began his tour of duty September 2, 2015 with the 39^th Airlift Squadron serving out of Abilene. Staff Sergeant Hammond died on active duty October 2, 2015.

 

Staff Sergeant Hammond, through his dedicated service and sacrifice, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the USAF NCO Graduate Ribbon the National Defense Service Medal.

 

Staff Sergeant Hammond is survived by his wife, Holly Hammond; his parents, David and Cathy Hammond; his sisters, Jodee Juarez and Laura Hill; his maternal grandmother, Mildred Berisford; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Conward Bersiford and his paternal grandparents, Norman and Dolores Hammond.