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Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Twentynine Palms Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Abraham Twitchell of Yelm, WA:

"Committed Marines like Staff. Sgt. Twitchell have made the ultimate sacrifice to help keep us safe and preserve our freedom. Maria and I offer our condolences to Abraham's family, friends and fellow Marines. His patriotism and courage serves as a model for all Americans."

Twitchell, 28, 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 Combat Service Support Group-1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.

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


Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Four Camp Pendleton Marines

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. David Bass of Nashville, TN, Cpl. Brian St. Germain of Warwick, RI, Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher of Jacksonville, FL and Lance Cpl. Felipe Sandoval-Flores of Los Angeles:

"There is no higher calling than to fight for one's country in the struggle for liberty. These four heroic Marines served with determination and valor. Maria and I wish to send our sympathies to their families as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Their courageous example will live on in our hearts."

Bass, 20, St. Germain, 22, Gallagher, 27 and Sandoval-Flores, 20, died April 2 when the vehicle they were riding in rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq. They were assigned to elements of the 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Bass, Cpl. St. Germain, Lance Cpl. Gallagher and Lance Cpl. Sandoval-Florez, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of South Gate Sailor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Hospitalman Geovani Padilla Aleman of South Gate:

"Brave members of our armed forces like Hospitalman Padilla Aleman put their lives on the line providing medical care for fellow service men and women. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Geovani's family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. He died with honor and California will remember his service with gratitude and admiration."

Padilla Aleman, 20, died April 2 of injuries sustained from enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was permanently assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital, USNS Comfort Detachment and operationally assigned to Third Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment, 2/28 Brigade Combat Team.

In honor of Hospitalman Padilla Aleman, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.