Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Murrieta Army Sergeant

Flags were flown at half-staff Tuesday over the State Capitol in Sacramento in memorial of U.S. Army Sgt. Clinton K. Ruiz, of Murrieta.

Ruiz, 22, died of wounds suffered Oct. 25, when his unit was attacked by small arms fire in Khas Uruzgan, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

On behalf of all Californians, Gov. Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Ruiz, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation, the governor's office wrote in a statement to the media.

The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time, according to the statement. Ruiz’s family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.

Born in Poway,a Murrieta Valley High School graduate, was assigned to the 9th Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne), 8th Military Information Support Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC.

He was the second soldier from Murrieta to die this year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.