SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Brandon T. Lara: ā€œLance Corporal Brandon Lara was a brave Marine who sacrificed his life fighting for the freedoms that are dear to this country. He fought with honor and courage and Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of his death. We send our deepest condolences to Brandon’s family, friends and fellow Marines as they mourn this terrible loss.ā€

Lara, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas, died July 19 while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Lara was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

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