'Local Hero': Community, Leaders Mourn Temecula Marine Killed in Iraq

TEMECULA, CA - A 27-year-old Marine killed in Iraq was praised Monday by a Riverside County lawmaker, who called the Temecula resident a local hero for his sacrifice and service.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin was killed Saturday in an Islamic State attack on a fire support base near Makhmour, in northern Iraq, according to military officials.

• U.S. Marine From Temecula Killed in Iraq

"I wish to express my sadness to the Cardin family for this tragic event taking the life of our local hero," said Sen. Jeff Stone, R-Palm Desert. "All Californians are saddened by this senseless loss, but remain grateful for Sgt. Cardin's valiant and heroic service to our country."

Cardin and several hundred fellow Marines were stationed at Makhmour in support of Kurdish forces battling ISIS in the area of Mosul, according to the Pentagon.

The artilleryman had served three tours of duty in Afghanistan before deploying to Iraq. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2006 and was attached to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

"Staff Sgt. Cardin exemplifies the best of America," Stone said. "I will adjourn the state Senate in his memory when we reconvene next week."

Gov. Jerry Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in Cardin's honor.

– By City News Service. Image courtesy of the USMC.