Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Sgt. Brandon C. Bury, of Kingwood, TX; Lance Cpl. Derek Hernandez, of Edinburg, TX; and Cpl. Donald M. Marler, of St. Louis, MO:

“On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of Sergeant Brandon Bury, Lance Corporal Derek Hernandez and Corporal Donald Marler during this difficult time. These three brave and dedicated Marines selflessly fought to defend our nation’s freedoms, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Bury, 26, Hernandez, 20, and Marler, 22, died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Sgt. Bury, Lance Cpl. Hernandez and Cpl. Marler, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.