01/02/2009 GAAS:002:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Concord Soldier
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Benjamin B. Tollefson, of Concord:
“Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private Benjamin Tollefson, who dedicated his life to protecting the ideals of this country. He was a true patriot and his service to our country will never be forgotten. On behalf of all Californians, we send our thoughts and prayers to Benjamin’s family, friends and fellow soldiers as they mourn this loss.”
Tollefson, 22, died December 31 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire in Ghazaliya. Tollefson was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army, Fort Riley, KS.
In honor of Pvt. Tollefson, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
