Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Mark E. Engel of Grand Junction, CA:

"Today, we mourn the loss of a courageous Marine who served our country with distinction. Mark lived a life of duty, honor and commitment and will be dearly missed. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Lance Cpl. Engel, 21, died July 21 at Brook Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, of wounds he received as a result of enemy action on July 6 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, NC.

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