Politics & Government

Fallen Lake Elsinore Soldier Honored In Capitol

In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol Thursday.

Governor Jerry Brown ordered flags flown at half-staff over the State Capitol Thursday to honor a Marine from Lake Elsinore who was killed in combat in Afghanistan.

“On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Cpl. Michael J. Palacio, 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,” stated a news release out of the governor’s office Thursday.

“In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol today. Cpl. Palacio's family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor,” the release continued.

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According to Pentagon officials, Palacio died March 29 in Helmand province. The circumstances of his death were not disclosed.

Palacio was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan.

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A military policeman, Palacio joined the Marine Corps, Nov. 28, 2007. He arrived on Okinawa, Nov. 11, 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan, Nov. 12, 2011.

"Cpl. Michael 'Mikey' J. Palacio was a quiet professional, dedicated to the mission and the Marines he served beside. He was not afraid to take care of his fellow Marines, always giving a helping hand and expecting nothing in return. Mikey will always be remembered and carried with the members of MP Company as a great Marine, true family man, friend, and relentless warrior,” said 1st Sgt. Timothy J. Schultz, Military Police Company first sergeant. “I know I'll remember that huge smile and good attitude he always displayed."

Palacio's service awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO-International Security Assistance Force Medal.

Palacio’s passing follows the death of Lake Elsinore's Army Staff Sgt. Noah Korte, who was He was assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade out of Fort Hood, according to a Department of Defense statement.

According to the Department of Defense, as of April 3, 1,801 U.S. service members have died in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001. Just under 1,500 of those deaths are listed as "killed in action."


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