SACRAMENTO – On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Marine Pfc. Ruben P. Velasco, 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. Pfc. Velasco’s family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.
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Pfc. Ruben P. Velasco, 19, of Los Angeles, CA, was declared deceased after his MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft entered the water approximately 18 miles off the coast of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia on August 5. The incident is under investigation. Pfc. Velasco was assigned to Battery G, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (BLT 3/5).