Flags ordered to half-staff Monday for Fort Campbell soldiers

Flags have been ordered to half-staff across Kentucky in honor of two Fort Campbell soldiers who died during a training exercise.

From sunrise to sunset on Monday, flags must be lowered to half-staff at all state office buildings in honor of 33-year-old Warrant Officer 1, Jeffery A. Barnes, and 36-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2, Zachary G. Esparza.

The pair passed away on March 29 when two Blackhawk helicopters crashed in Trigg County during a routine training mission.

The soldiers were assigned to the 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell.

Governor Andy Beshear encourages all individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies to join in on the tribute.