Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Staff Sgt. Marc A. Arizmendez of Anaheim, CA and Spc. Roger Lee of Monterey, CA.

“Maria and I join all Californians in mourning the tragic deaths of Staff Sergeant Marc Arizmendez and Specialist Roger Lee. They were courageous soldiers who faced danger every day to protect our freedoms. During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these honorable men.”

Arizmendez, 30, and Lee, 26, died July 6 at Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, Hohenfels, Germany.

In honor of Staff Sgt. Arizmendez and Spc. Lee, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.