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.