Casualties of War

The upbeat news is that that July was the least deadliest of the past eight months. It's hard to tell from here.


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.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of San Diego Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Joshua P. Mattero, of San Diego, CA:

"Today, we honor Staff Sergeant Joshua Mattero's brave service to our country. He committed himself to protect the United States and our ideals and we must never forget the sacrifices made by Joshua and others serving in uniform. Maria and I offer our deepest sympathies and extend our prayers to his family."

Mattero, 29, died July 24 as a result of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device in Baqubah, Iraq. Mattero was assigned to the 749th Ordnance Company, 63rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion, United States Army, Andrews Air Force Base, MD.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Palmdale Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Travon T. Johnson, of Palmdale, CA:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our nation's brave soldiers, Sergeant Travon Johnson. He fulfilled a tremendous duty to our country and made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of liberty. Maria and I honor Travon and will keep his family and friends in our prayers."


Johnson, 29, died July 23 as a result of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Sarobi District, Afghanistan. Johnson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, United States Army, Vicenza, Italy.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Whittier Sailor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Hospitalman Daniel S. Noble, of Whittier, CA:

"Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the loss of Hospitalman Daniel Noble and we extend our sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. We owe a debt of gratitude to Daniel and his family, and all other service personnel and their loved ones for the sacrifices they make to defend our country. Daniel will be remembered for his courage and bravery in protecting his fellow citizens."

Noble, 21, died July 24 as a result of enemy action while conducting security operations in the Dilaya Province, Iraq. Noble was permanently assigned to 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, United States Navy, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Hospitalman Noble, 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. Matthew R. Zindars of Watertown, WI:

"Maria and I have the strongest admiration for the men and women of our armed forces who put their lives on the line every day while protecting our country. Corporal Matthew Zindars committed himself to protecting our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew's loved ones and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Zindars, 21, died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Diyala Province, Iraq. Zindars was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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



Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Oxnard Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Jaime Rodriguez, Jr., of Oxnard, CA.

"Specialist Jaime Rodriguez's commitment to duty and his efforts to preserve our freedom is an inspiration to all Californians. He joins a proud legacy of heroes who fought for their country and gave their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Maria and I express our greatest sympathies to Jaime's family and friends during this difficult time."

Rodriguez, 19, died July 26 as a result of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Saqlawiyah, Iraq. Rodriguez was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army, Fort Stewart, GA.

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


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Auburn Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Sean A. Stokes, of Auburn, CA:

"Risking his life to protect fellow citizens was a duty Corporal Sean Stokes undertook with pride and honor. Sean's death is a painful reminder of the dangers inherent in protecting our country and his dedicated service will not be forgotten. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow Marines and we will continue to pray for them."

Stokes, 24, died July 30 as a result of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Stokes 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 Cpl. Stokes, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.