Sacramento, CA…On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol today. Lance Cpl. Rodriguez’s family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.

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Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, 19, of Fairhaven, MA, died December 11, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. Rodriguez was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

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