Governor Jerry Brown ordered flags be flown at half-staff above the state capitol in Sacramento Monday in honor of fallen Murrieta soldier Sgt. Eric E. Williams. The 27-year-old died July 23 in Afghanistan.
A statement released by the governor's office read, in part:
On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Sgt. Eric E. Williams, 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.
Williams was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Williams is survived by his wife, Wendi. He was a 2002 graduate of Murrieta High School.
As Home Post reported last week, Williams was the author of a blog called My Friend The Medic, which reflected his experiences as a flight medic for the Army.
