Faces of War

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Dixon Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Shawn G. Adams, of Dixon, CA:

"Serving in the United States Army, Sergeant Shawn Adams fulfilled a tremendous duty to our country. He made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his fellow Americans and will forever be remembered for his bravery and dedicated service. Maria and I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and friends."

Adams, 21, died July 22 as a result of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device in Owaset, Iraq. Adams was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, United States Army, Fort Richardson, AK.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Bakersfield Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Gutierrez-Rosales, of Bakersfield, CA:

"Today, Californians mourn the tragic loss of Sergeant First Class Luis Gutierrez-Rosales. Luis will forever be remembered for his courage and honor in defending our nation and his dedicated service to our country. Maria and I extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time."

Gutierrez-Rosales, 38, died July 18 as a result of wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire in Adhamiyah, Iraq. Gutierrez-Rosales was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army, Schweinfurt, Germany.

In honor of Sgt. 1st Class Gutierrez-Rosales, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Shawn V. Starkovich, of Arlington, WA:

"Maria and I are saddened by the death of one of our nation's heroic marines. Lance Corporal Shawn Starkovich served our country with tremendous courage and profound bravery. Shawn's commitment to his country will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends as they mourn their loss."

Starkovich, 20, died July 16 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Starkovich was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer, of East Northport, NY:

"The death of Corporal Christopher Scherer is a tremendous loss to our nation. Maria and I, along with all Californians, mourn the loss of this brave individual and express our sincere gratitude for his selfless service in defense of our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief."

Scherer, 21, died July 21 as a result of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Scherer was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Fair Oaks Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Ronald L. Coffelt, of Fair Oaks, CA:

"The loss of Sergeant Ronald Coffelt reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices that members of our armed forces make to protect our freedom. Maria and I thank him for his dedication and love for his country; his bravery will forever remain an inspiration to all Californians. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and will pray for their comfort during this difficult time."

Coffelt, 36, died July 19 as a result of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq. Coffelt was assigned to the 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC.

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