Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Specialist Matthew K.S. Swanson of Lake Forest:

“Specialist Matthew Swanson was a dedicated soldier who selflessly worked to defend the values that our country was built upon. Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of Matthew’s sacrifice and we join all Californians in remembering his courageous service. Our hearts go out to Matthew’s family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Swanson, 20, died August 8 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over July 19 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), U.S. Army, Fort Drum, New York.

In honor of Specialist Swanson, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

The seventeenth annual Ventura County Stand Down will take place July 24, 25 & 26, 2009 will be held at the California Army National Guard Armory in Ventura. This effort is to assist veterans break out of the cycle of homelessness. Veterans in the Counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Los Angeles will participate this year.

Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the veterans who are homeless “combat” life on the streets. The hand up philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations who truly demonstrate the American spirit of volunteerism on behalf of veterans who are homeless. They demonstrate that ordinary people can do extraordinary things in assisting veterans who are homeless become productive citizens of the community. Honorary Co-Chairmen who have served for 17 consecutive years are: Elton Gallegly, Congressman, 24th District; Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

During the three-day, two-night effort, veterans will live on campus in military-style tents erected by the Seabees and have access to shower facilities, toiletries, new and used clean clothing, hot meals, etc. each day. Working in conjunction with dozens of public and private agencies Stand Down 2009 will provide homeless veterans with a myriad of services such as medical treatment, legal services, prescription lenses, employment counseling and referrals, VA benefits, drug and alcohol counseling, general relief information, transitional housing information, along with a range of other government and social services. In addition, a Superior Court will be held on Friday, July 24, where veterans will be given an opportunity to adjudicate their pending legal cases before a volunteer judge who, in lieu of fine or jail time, order veterans to participate in community service at the Stand Down site. One of the many success stories of Stand Down are those veterans who were homeless return year after year as volunteers to assist their fellow veterans.

Those veterans who pre-register at various social service agencies facilitate their entrance into the Stand Down event.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Corporal Pedro A. Barbozaflores of Glendale:

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Lance Corporal Pedro A. Barbozaflores, a dedicated marine who served our nation proudly. Maria and I are deeply saddened to hear of Pedro’s passing and we join all Californians in remembering his admirable service and noble sacrifice.”

Barbozaflores, 27, died July 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Barbozaflores was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

In honor of Lance Corporal Barbozaflores, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Nicolas H. J. Gideon of Murrieta:

“Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private First Class Nicolas Gideon, who willingly put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens and uphold the values this country was founded upon. He served with courage and pride and we are forever indebted to his sacrifice. On behalf of all Californians, we send our heartfelt condolences to Nicolas’ family, friends and fellow soldiers.”

Gideon, 20, died July 6 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered earlier that day in Paktya, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires. Gideon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

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

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/story?id=4546269&page=1

[Editor's note: The authorship of this piece remains uncertain]

You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is . So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish , Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian , or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. CONTINUED »

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Capt. Kafele H. Sims of Los Angeles:

“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Kafele Sims who served our country with courage and honor. He was a dedicated soldier and Californians will forever remember his service and sacrifice. We send our thoughts and prayers to Kafele’s family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Sims, 32, died June 16 in Mosul, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident. Sims was assigned to the 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army, Schwetzingen, Germany.

In honor of Capt. Sims, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

See file attached below...

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement on the death of Maj. Rocco M. Barnes of Los Angeles:

“California has lost another brave solider in the fight to protect our country, and Major Rocco Barnes’ service will forever be remembered. California’s National Guardsman are a vital part of the effort to safeguard the freedoms we hold dear from threats here and around the world. Maria and I were saddened to learn of this tragedy and send our deepest condolences to Rocco’s family and friends.”

Barnes, 50, died June 4 in Afghanistan of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was a member of the Tactical Command Post, 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, assigned as an individual augmentee to the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

In honor of Maj. Barnes, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Whittle of Downey:

“Lance Corporal Joshua Whittle was a courageous American who fought tirelessly to protect our country. Joshua went above and beyond the call of duty and his selfless dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joshua’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this devastating loss.”

Whittle, 20, died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

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

http://worriersanonymous.org/Share/V2008/Thedesk.htm

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Army 1st Sgt. Blue C. Rowe of Summers, Ark.:

“Army First Sergeant Blue Rowe was a true patriot who sacrificed his life to uphold the freedoms that are held dear in this country. He fought proudly and courageously and Maria and I are grateful for his service. On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Blue’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Rowe, 33, died May 26 in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Rowe was assigned to the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army, Upland, CA.

In honor of Army 1st Sgt. Rowe, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Cmdr. Duane G. Wolfe of Port Hueneme:

“Maria and I were saddened to learn of the death of Commander Duane G. Wolfe, which is a great loss for America. His bravery and willingness to put his life on the line to serve his country will forever be remembered. Our hearts go out to Duane’s family and friends as they deal with this terrible loss.”

Wolfe, 54, died May 25 from injuries suffered as a result of an improvised explosive device attack on his convoy southeast of Fallujah. Wolfe was assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division, U.S. Navy, Iraq.

In honor of Cmdr. Wolfe, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

God Bless them all!!!
Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Staff Sgt. Esau I. De la Pena-Hernandez of La Puente:

“Staff Sgt. Esau I. De la Pena-Hernandez was a brave American who proudly fought to protect our country. California has lost a courageous individual who risked his life to maintain our freedoms and he will be greatly missed. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to Esau’s family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”

De la Pena-Hernandez, 25, died May 15 at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces using small-arms fire in Chak, Afghanistan attacked the patrol. De la Pena-Hernandez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), U.S. Army, Fort Drum, N.Y.

In honor of Staff Sgt. De la Pena-Hernandez, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Justin P. Hartford of Elmira, NY:

“Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Private Justin Hartford. His loyalty and dedication to this country is an inspiration to all of us and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. We join Californians in expressing our sincere condolences to Justin’s family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this devastating loss.”

Hartford, 21, died May 8 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 699th Maintenance Company, Corps Support Battalion, 916th Support Brigade, U.S. Army, Fort Irwin, Calif.

In honor of Pvt. Hartford, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.