SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Serge Kropov of Hawley, PA: “Private First Class Serge Kropov was a brave Marine and his death is a terrible loss for our country and our armed forces. His courageous and selfless service will always be remembered and Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of Serge’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Kropov, 21, died December 20 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
In honor of Pfc. Kropov, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
