Six Soldiers to Remember

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Hemet Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Chief Warrant Officer Keith Yoakum of Hemet, CA:

"Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief Warrant Officer Keith Yoakum. Keith's sacrifice is a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made for our liberties. Our prayers are with his loved ones during their time of mourning."

Yoakum, 41, died Feb. 2 as a result of injuries sustained when his Apache helicopter was forced to land during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

In honor of Chief Warrant Officer Yoakum, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.



Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Los Altos Hills Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. William M. Sigua of Los Altos Hills, CA:

"Maria and I extend our condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Sigua. William valiantly fought and willingly risked his life for the liberties of the oppressed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."

Sigua, 21, died Jan. 31 as a result of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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



Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Los Angeles Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Alejandro Carrillo of Los Angeles, CA:

"The members of our nation's armed forces risk their lives each day to protect American citizens. Sergeant Carrillo dedicated himself to preserving the freedoms of our country. Maria and I pray for Alejandro's family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn their loss."

Carrillo, 22, died Jan. 30 as a result of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Twentynine Palms Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Adam Q. Emul of Vancouver, WA:

"Lance Corporal Emul dedicated himself to the noblest of causes - obtaining freedom for the oppressed. There is no greater act of selflessness than what Adam did in giving his life to fight for the rights of others. Maria and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Adam's family and friends."

Emul, 19, died Jan. 29 as a result of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Long Beach Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. David T. Toomalatai, of Long Beach, CA:

"Private First Class Toomalatai's brave sacrifice reminds all Californians to treasure the freedoms preserved by selfless soldiers like him. This brave soldier fought courageously so that others may enjoy the same liberties that Americans do everyday. Maria and I offer our condolences to David's family and friends as they mourn their loss."

Toomalatai, 19, died January 27 as a result of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during convoy operations in Taji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

In honor of Pfc. Toomalatai, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Thousand Oaks Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Anthony C. Melia of Thousand Oaks, CA:

"Lance Corporal Melia served his country with courage and determination. His noble sacrifice exemplifies the true patriotism that makes our nation great. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our condolences to Anthony's family and loved ones."

Melia, 20, died Jan. 27 as a result of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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