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.