Flags lowered to honor New York Marines killed in Afghanistan

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered flags lowered to half-staff in memory of two Marine Corps reservists from New York who were killed in Afghanistan.

A roadside bomb detonation killed Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, Staff Sgt. Christopher Slutman, and Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines in Parwan province on Monday, the Pentagon said.

Hines, 31, was from York, Pennsylvania. Slutman, 43, lived in Delaware and New York. Hendricks, 25, was from Locust Valley on Long Island. All three were assigned to the 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Forces Reserve, based out of Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

Cuomo said in a statement that the Marines' deaths saddened him.

"Their deaths are a tragic reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our service members, who put their lives in harm's way to protect our values and way of life," Cuomo said in the statement. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to their friends and loved ones, and I am directing that flags be lowered in their honor."

Slutman was a 15-year member of the FDNY, stationed at Ladder Company 23 in the Bronx. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced Wednesday that it is raising money to pay off his family's mortgage.

Hendricks's brother Joseph is also a Marine who just began a tour in Afghanistan. Their aunt told Newsday that Joseph Hendricks will be escorting his brother's remains back home.

With The Associated Press