Governor Jerry Brown ordered flags above the State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in memory of Army Chief Warrant Officer Deric Rasmussen, 33, who died in Afghanistan on May 11.
Rasmussen was a resident of Oceanside.
The governor's office released a statement that read, in part:
On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Chief Warrant Officer Deric M. Rasmussen, 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.
Rasmussen was assigned to the Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
