ALBANY -- Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags be flown at half staff on state government buildings on Wednesday to honor three Army Reserve soldiers from New York who died in Paktiya Province, Afghanistan on November 3.

Specialist Brett E. Gornewicz, from Alden, Specialist Ryan P. Jayne, from Campbell, and Staff Sgt. Dain T. Venne, from Port Henry, died from wounds suffered when their humvee was hit by an improvised explosive device. 

The three men were part of the 444th Engineer Company, which is headquartered in Oswego. 

"Along with all New Yorkers, I mourn the deaths of Specialist Gornewicz, Specialist Jayne and Staff Sgt. Venne," the governor said.  "These young men were all volunteers who lived and worked in our communities and gave their lives for our great country.  We extend our condolences to their friends, their families and their fellow soldiers."

Governor Cuomo directs that flags on state office buildings be lowered to half staff to honor to the state's service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.