Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm of Flagstaff, AZ and Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson of Arvada, CO:

“The deaths of Lance Corporal Matthew Broehm and Lance Corporal Brandon Pearson are a great loss for California and the nation. Their sacrifice on behalf of our country is a solemn reminder of the value of our freedoms. Maria and I continue to pray for all of our men and women in uniform and we extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of these brave Marines during this difficult time.”

Broehm, 22, and Pearson, 21, died November 4 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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