Funeral for Maine soldier at Orono High School today

AUGUSTA – The funeral for Army Staff Sgt. Eric Ross, who was killed Feb. 9 during combat in Iraq’s Sunni Triangle, will be held at 11 a.m. today in the gymnasium at Orono High School, where Ross was a graduate. School is not in session this week because of February vacation.

When he was killed, Ross was on his second tour of duty in Iraq and was the leader of a platoon of eight men assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

There will be no visitation. Brookings-Smith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

After the funeral, which is open to friends and family, the remains will be laid to rest at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

In remembrance and honor of Ross, Gov. John E. Baldacci has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today.