Back and Blogging

Whew! That took a while longer than hoped, but the highway scribe is back. The war did not stop with his absence, when it really should have, so we’ll start the week by dispatching with the sad business of making public the most recent deaths of soldiers hailing from California.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Eric Palmisano of Florence, WI:

"Maria and I humbly pay tribute to the sacrifice this courageous Marine made for our nation. Lance Cpl. Palmisano willingly put his life on the line to defend democracy and freedom, a sacrifice we must never forget. We extend our deepest sympathies to Eric's family and will keep them in our prayers."

Palmisano, 27, died April 2 when the vehicle he was riding in rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Ceres Marine
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro Arellano of Ceres:

"The death of Lance Cpl. Navarro Arellano reminds us of the perils that United States service men and women face daily. Maria and I express our deep sadness to Juana's family and friends for their loss. Her commitment to service will not be forgotten."

Navarro Arellano, 24, died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. She was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

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

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Richard P. Waller of Fort Worth, TX:

"Cpl. Waller joins a proud legacy of Marines who courageously served their country by giving the ultimate sacrifice. His loss is a painful reminder of the important work our service men and women do at home and abroad. Maria and I offer our sincere condolences to Richard's family as they suffer this extraordinary loss of their loved one."

Waller, 22, died April 7 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Elk Grove Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Ty Johnson of Elk Grove:

"Maria and I were saddened to hear the tragic news of Spc. Johnson's death. Californians are grateful for his courage and dedication. Our condolences go out to Ty's family and friends. We must never forget the vigilance of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to defend freedom."

Johnson, 28, died April 4 from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Johnson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

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


The “L.A. Times” ran an article last week about the very statements we have made it our editorial policy to run here at highwayscribery. It’s called “War’s Cost for All to See.”

The announcements, as our readers know only too well, salute the fallen, not only from California, but those stationed here as well. According to the article, Schwarzenegger has sent out 344 such messages thus far. We also know first-hand that some messages carry the news of multiple deaths.

“Relatives of those killed in action,” the article observed, “say Schwarzenegger’s open marking of each death is significant, especially as the body county grows. By creating a public pause – however brief - the governor’s messages give them hope that the value of their loved one won’t be lost in a crowd.”

That is largely why we run them at highwayscribery, although it is hard to deny that sometimes one gets a sense of a numerous and accompanying ironies, sadness, or protest.

The releases are written by Gina Grebitus who sifts through the Department of Defense Web site for the bad news particular to California.

"Every time we lose a soldier," Schwarzenegger is quoted as saying, "it hits my heart."