Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Alejandro J. Yazzie of Rock Point, AZ:

"Lance Corporal Alejandro Yazzie was a valiant member of our nation's armed forces and Maria and I were saddened to learn of his death. We will be forever grateful for Alejandro's selfless service to our country and send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Yazzie, 23, died February 16 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, California.

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