Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

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.