Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Jesse M. Balthaser of Columbus, OH:

"Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Sergeant Jesse Balthaser, who defended our freedoms with extraordinary courage. He fought with honor and loyalty for this country and his fellow Marines. We join all Californians in paying tribute to Jesse’s sacrifice and offering our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this time of mourning."

Balthaser, 23, died September 4 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA.

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