Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on Death of

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ronald Jay Spino

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered U.S. and state flags lowered to half-staff in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ronald Jay Spino, a native of Waterbury who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

            Spino, 45, of the 274th Forward Surgical Team, 44th Medical Command from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was shot as he was unloading medical supplies at Bala Morghab, Afghanistan. The Department of Defense said late Wednesday the circumstances of the shooting are under investigation.

            Spino, who graduated from Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, had been expected to return from Afghanistan to his wife and family in North Carolina in about 30 days.

            “This brave and dedicated medic dedicated his military career to treating the fallen on the battlefield,” Governor Rell said. “Not only did Staff Sergeant Spino care for their wounds, he was trained to take extraordinary risks – including combat parachute jumps – to place himself as close to them as possible to provide the very best care. This speaks far more eloquently than any words can do about Staff Sergeant Spino’s character and bravery. All of Connecticut joins his friends and family in grieving this terrible loss.”

            Flags are to remain at half-staff until sundown on the date of Staff Sergeant Spino’s interment, which has not yet been determined.

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