1LT Alejo R. Thompson

Flags will be flying at half-staff across the state Thursday to honor a fallen Fort Carson soldier.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper made the order to honor 1st Lt. Alejo Thompson, who was killed May 11 when his unit came under fire while on patrol in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. Thompson will be laid to rest in a private funeral service Thursday. Fort Carson honored him in a memorial service Monday.

Thompson, originally of Arizona, was assigned to Fort Carson in April 2011. He served with the A Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

The 30-year-old joined the military in September 2000. In more than a decade of service, Thompson was highly decorated, receiving numerous awards, including two Army Commendation medals. A posthumous Bronze Star is pending.

Thompson served in Iraq from its inception, deploying March 28, 2003 and serving until February 2004. His service in Afghanistan began March 6 of this year. It was his only deployment to Afghanistan.

Those who knew Thompson remember him as someone who earned his respect quietly, and inspired those around him to want to be like him.

Thompson is survived by his wife, son and daughter.