California Governor Office -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. Jose A. Paniagua-Morales of Bell Gardens, CA:

"Corporal Jose Paniagua-Morales was a true patriot who gave his life in the defense of liberty. He fought with honor, bravery and loyalty to our country and his fellow soldiers. On behalf of the people of California, Maria and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Jose's loved ones as they mourn the loss of an extraordinary Californian."

Paniagua-Morales, 22, died March 7 as a result of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive in Samarra, Iraq. Paniagua-Morales was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army, Fort Lewis, WA.

In honor of Cpl. Paniagua-Morales, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Brigade officials Thursday said Paniagua-Morales is survived by his mother, who lives in Tacoma, and his wife, in California.

The funeral has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood. Visitation is noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The City of Lakewood, which has a special “connector community” relationship with the 4th Brigade, made note of the fact that this would be the first local funeral for a unit soldier. They mostly hail from other parts of the country.

“It’s an honor for Lakewood,” said Councilwoman Claudia Thomas, who has attended memorial services at Fort Lewis for other soldiers.

In Paniagua-Morales’ home state, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the capitol in Sacramento.

In a statement, the governor said Paniagua-Morales “was a true patriot who gave his life in the defense of liberty. He fought with honor, bravery and loyalty to our country and his fellow soldiers. On behalf of the people of California, Maria and I offer our prayers and deepest condolences to Jose’s loved ones as they mourn the loss of an extraordinary Californian.”