Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Gregory M.W. Fleury of Anchorage, AK, Capt. Eric A. Jones of Westchester, NY, Capt. David S. Mitchell of Loveland, OH and Capt. Kyle R. Van De Giesen of North Attleboro, MA:

"Corporal Gregory Fleury, Captain Eric Jones, Captain David Mitchell and Captain Kyle Van De Giesen were brave Marines who proudly and selflessly served our nation. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I express our admiration for their courage, gratitude for their service and sadness over their deaths. Our hearts are with their family, friends and fellow Marines during this difficult time."

Fleury, 23, Jones, 29 and Van De Giesen, 29, were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Mitchell, 30, was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

All four Marines died on October 26 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were based out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Fleury, Capt. Jones, Capt. Mitchell and Capt. Van De Giesen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.