Governor Markell honors fallen Delaware soldier [video]

Markell dedicated his weekly message to the memory of Warrant Officer Sean Mullen who was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan.

“Our hearts break for his family and, on behalf of our state, we offer them our deepest gratitude and sympathy.”

Delaware Governor Jack Markell typically uses his weekly message to tout a state program, a group that’s doing good work, or an issue his office is lobbying for with state lawmakers.  But this week is different.  This week’s address is a tribute to Sean Mullen, a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Mullen, 39, was killed Sunday in Ghur Ghuri by an improvised explosive device. The highly decorated veteran was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. This was Mullen’s sixth deployment.

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“His service epitomized the patriotism, selflessness and courage displayed by Delawareans throughout history who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms that we so often take for granted,” Markell said in the recorded remarks.  “Our hearts break for his family and, on behalf of our state, we offer them our deepest gratitude and sympathy.”  Mullen has family in Dover, where he went to high school and college. He is survived by his wife and parents.

Markell has ordered flags lowered to half staff through today.  

“Perhaps the greatest tribute that we can pay to Warrant Officer Mullen, and his comrades past and present, is simply to keep their memories alive, allowing them to continue to inspire new generations of Americans.” 

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