MIAMI – Gov. Rick Scott directed the flags to fly at half-staff in Tallahassee's State Capitol building, and the City Hall buildings in Miami-Dade and Miami Gardens Saturday in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. La David Johnson's sacrifice.
Scott said he joined the Floridians who were honoring Johnson of Miami Gardens, Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black of Washington, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson of Ohio and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright of Georgia.
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"We will never forget their heroic actions and our hearts break for their families and loved ones," Scott said. "We will continue to pray for the safety of all our brave military members across our country and abroad."
The four service members were assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group and died after Islamic militants ambushed them in southwest Niger Oct. 4. Johnson was left behind during the evacuation and his body was recovered Oct. 6.
Johnson's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Parachutist Bade, the Driver and Mechanic Badge and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge. He also participated in operations with the Canadian Armed Forces and received Canadian Parachutist Wings.
His casket was back at the Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St., in Hollywood, Friday night. At 8 a.m. on Saturday, the casket will make its way back to the church at 11000 Stirling Rd., in Cooper City.
The interment will be at the Hollywood Memorial Gardens, 3001 N. 72 St. Police officers and deputies from the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Broward County Sheriff's Office will escort the processions.