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SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the deaths of Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo of Springfield, OH and Maj. James M. Weis of Toms River, NJ:

“The deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Mario Carazo and Major James Weis are tragic losses for this country. They devoted themselves to serving our nation with honor and integrity, and their selfless sacrifices will never be forgotten. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of these brave Marines.”

Carazo, 41, and Weis, 37, died July 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lt. Col. Carazo and Maj. Weis, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.