Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Andrew J. Castro of Westlake Village, CA:

“The death of Specialist Andrew Castro is a sad and sobering reminder of the dangers our men and women in uniform face each day to protect our freedoms. The great courage he displayed in the line of duty is an example of true patriotism. As they mourn the loss of this outstanding soldier, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Andrew’s family and loved ones.”

Castro, 20, died August 28 in Babur, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Spc. Castro, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Written by Mike Brownfield

In December 2009, President Barack Obama delivered his long-awaited decision on the way forward in the War in Afghanistan and pledged 30,000 additional troops for the effort under the condition that they would begin to come home in 18 months. While praising the President’s decision to send more troops, conservative lawmakers blasted the President’s announcement of a deadline for withdrawal, arguing that it would undermine our allies and embolden our enemies. Yesterday, the President’s policy met with another high profile critic, retiring U.S. Marine Gen. James Conway, who told reporters that the July 2011 withdrawal date has given a morale boost to Taliban insurgents who now believe they can simply wait out NATO forces.

General Conway confirmed what Heritage Foundation analysts have been warning about for the last nine months, that the deadline is “giving our enemy sustenance.” Conway revealed that indeed the U.S. has intercepted communication of Taliban insurgents telling each other that they only needed to hold out for so long.

Conway is right. As we... http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/25/morning-bell-a-war-we-cant-afford-to...

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Ronald A. Rodriguez of Falls Church, VA:

“Sergeant Ronald Rodriguez was one of our country’s bravest individuals. He faced danger every day to preserve our freedoms and, in the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Maria and I, on behalf of all Californians, extend our thoughts and prayers to Ronald’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this devastating loss.”

Rodriguez, 26, died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Rodriguez, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Robert J. Newton of Creve Coeur, IL:

“Risking his life, Lance Corporal Robert Newton served our country with extraordinary courage, and his sacrifice will be remembered forever. As they mourn the loss of this brave Marine, Maria and I express our deepest condolences to Robert’s family and loved ones.”

Newton, 21, died Aug. 23 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Newton, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bock, of Leesburg, FL:

“Staff Sergeant Michael Bock worked hard in the line of duty, defending our nation with pride and honor. The loss of his life is a terrible loss for our country. Maria and I offer our most sincere condolences to Michael’s family, friends and fellow Marines during their time of mourning.”

Bock, 26, died August 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Twentynine Palms, CA.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Bock, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Jose L. Saenz III of Pleasanton, TX:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sergeant Jose Saenz. With pride and honor, he answered the call of duty to defend our nation’s freedoms, and the sacrifice he made will be remembered forever. During this difficult time, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Jose’s family, friends and fellow Marines.”

Saenz, 30, died Aug. 9 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Saenz, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Max W. Donahue of Highlands Ranch, CO:

“Corporal Max Donahue was a courageous and strong Marine. The loyalty he displayed in defending our nation’s freedoms is an inspiration to us all, and his service and sacrifice will be remembered forever. Maria and I extend our condolences to Max’s family, friends and fellow Marines during this time of mourning.”

Donahue, 23, died Aug. 7 of wounds received Aug. 4 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Donahue, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., July 30 -- A Fort Bragg soldier recently returned from Afghanistan received a Harley Davidson Sportster during an Appreciation Ceremony in the Hall of Heroes at the Rawcliffe Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The donation was made by Lee Rawcliffe, owner of Sands Resorts and Don Allen, CEO of American Veterans Traveling Tribute ("AVTT"). A second soldier will be receiving a Sportster in the fall.

The soldiers, randomly selected as the Operation Gratitude milestone 500,000th Care Package recipients last December, are US Army Staff Sgt. William Fullerton, a squad leader from 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion and US Army Sgt. Michael Herne, an infantryman with 82nd Airborne Division.

SSG Fullerton on his Harley
During the presentation ceremony, Staff Sgt. Fullerton graciously accepted his gift as family, friends, and military supporters applauded the efforts of all servicemen. A luncheon and reception followed. A similar event is planned for Sgt. Herne in the coming weeks.

"Our purpose is to show continuous support for Americans who protect our country," said Lee Rawcliffe. "Our plans include more future recognitions to these courageous Americans." In 2009, Sands Resorts dedicated the Hall of Heroes as a tribute to American Heroes. Since then, there have been ongoing projects to recognize both Wounded Warriors and VFWs.

Operation Gratitude sends care packages filled with fifty or more assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items to US Service Members deployed in combat. The volunteer-based non-profit will send its 600,000th care package this December.

ABOUT OPERATION GRATITUDE
Operation Gratitude ( www.OperationGratitude.com ) is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individual U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 550,000 packages to American Military deployed overseas. For more information: opgrat@gmail.com

ABOUT SANDS RESORTS
Sands Resorts in Myrtle Beach, SC has been a leading provider of beach and golf vacations for over 35 years. Their collection of seven oceanfront resorts with 1600 guest accommodations are convenient to golf, dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions. The resorts highlight 28,000 square feet of meeting space, a waterpark, popular oceanfront restaurants and lounges, two spas, health clubs, indoor/outdoor pools, lazy rivers, and kid's programs. Sands Resorts is home to nationally known Ocean Annie's Beach Bar and Mango's on the Beach. It is also the site for Hall of Heroes. More information is available at www.sandsresorts.com or by calling (877) 322-3224

ABOUT AVTT
American Veterans Traveling Tribute ("AVTT") is a veteran-owned project traveling the USA to provide a forum for communities to HONOR-RESPECT-REMEMBER those who have sacrificed their lives for our country's freedom. AVTT honors Veterans and those currently serving and is funded through sponsorship fees, donations, and sale of merchandise at events. Donations to support AVTT's mission are through The Traveling Wall Foundation. More information is available at www.avtt.org or by contacting Don Allen at donallen@avtt.org.