Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Ronnie J. Pallares of Rancho Cucamonga, CA:

“Serving in the armed forces is a noble calling that Specialist Ronnie Pallares bravely answered. He faced danger to defend our freedoms, and we honor his courage and commitment to our country. As they mourn this tragic loss of a young life, Maria and I offer our deepest condolences to Ronnie’s family, friends and fellow soldiers.”

Pallares, 19, died October 23 in Andar district, Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.

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