(July 16, 2008, updated text) -- Heartfelt messages are coming in and proliferating on the internet following the Defense Department's advisory released today (July 16) that among nine soldiers killed July 13 in Wanat, Afghanistan was Sgt. Israel Garcia, 24, of Long Beach.

The DoD release said Sgt. Garcia ("Ira" to familymembers) and his fellow servicemembers perished when "their outpost was attacked by small arms fire and rock propelled grenades."

LB Mayor Bob Foster has issued the following statement:

"My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Sgt. Ira Garcia. I know the entire City joins me in sending our thoughts and prayers to them during this time of such profound sadness. Upon notification from the Governor's Office regarding the death of Sgt. Garcia, the City will fly flags at half-staff for 72 hours."

CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued the following statement:

"Sergeant Israel Garcia was a true patriot who sacrificed his life to protect the values and ideals that are held dear in this country. He fought with pride and courage and Californians will never forget his service. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Israel's family and friends during this difficult time."

Fifth district Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske wrote on her internet journal (blog) that "for over a year from its passage, Long Beach has [had] no need to lower its City flag. Sadly, Long Beach resident Sgt. Israel Garcia...was killed on July 13, 2008 while serving his third tour of duty. In addition to lowering our City flag, we should provide a City flag to his parents and close our next council meeting in his honor. It's the least we can do to acknowledge his sacrifice."

In June 2007, following the deaths of soldiers within less than six months [recalled below], the LB City Council enacted a resolution directing that the City's flag be lowered to half-staff for 72 hours following notification of the death of a LB resident serving in active military duty...with presentation of a city flag to next of kin at a time that doesn't interfere with military honors.

On a grassroots level, messages for the family of Sgt. Garcia are appearing from across the country on the Patriot Guard website (www.patriotguard.org). Some examples (just some of many):

• From Georgia: "My sincere condolences to the Family and Friends of Sgt. Israel Garcia...I pray God will give you comfort in your time of sorrow. I am grateful for Sgt. Israel Garcia's, service to our Great Nation and greatly appreciate Him for my freedom. Sgt. Israel Garcia, You are a true American Hero and will not be forgotten. Stand down Soldier, Your mission is complete. Job Well Done. May our Heavenly Father welcome You home to rest."

• From Pennsylvania: "My condolences and prayers to the family and friends of U.S. Army Sergeant Israel Garcia. I thank you for your military service and ultimate sacrifice you made for this grateful nation in keeping peace worldwide..."

• From Ohio: "My heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends of Sgt. Israel Garcia. May your sorrow be tempered by the fact that we hold in our highest honor a true hero who answered the call to duty, performing a selfless act to serve his country. Thank You. THANK YOU."

• From North Carolina: "I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt Israel Garcia. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for standing for our country and defending our freedom Israel. Rest in peace soldier. I salute you."

• From Virginia: "To the family and loved ones of Sgt. Israel Garcia, It is with great sorrow that I extend my condolences upon the loss of your Hero, who gave his all in the fight for freedom, and in the defense of his brothers and our grateful nation. May God give you strength until you meet again. Sgt. Garcia, May God protect and guide your fellow warriors as they carry on without you; and bestow unto them, courage and strength to travel this most difficult path. I pray The Lord will grant your brothers the grace and perseverance to see the mission through. Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime, with intense gratitude."
• From Northern CA: "I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Israel Garcia, 24. Your loved one has left this world a better place through his service to our country. As a nation we owe you and your family a dept of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. Know that your loved one paid the ultimate price while serving his country will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort you in this very sad time."

• From Iowa [Gold Star Dad]: "As I get ready to write to you, the words fall away as almost meaningless because of the pain I know you feel. I know, because I have felt that pain. Know that you are NOT alone on this difficult path. Others are there to help you: reach out and embrace them, for they are offering not only themselves, but sharing with you that little bit of the Almighty that resides in all of us. This offering/sharing is what WILL give you the strength you will need to get thru. Trust me...[K]now that my wife's and my prayers are with you."

And the tributes continue to grow, click here.

Within a six month period in 2007, three servicemembers from LB were killed in action:

• On January 27, 2007, Pfc David Toomalatai, 19, died in Taji, Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations.

• On May 2, 2007, Spc. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, 20, died in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

• On May 15, 2007, Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker died in Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained in small-arms fire.

Sgt. Garcia and the eight other soldiers killed in the July 13, 2008 Afghan attack were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy. The servicemembers who perished alongside Sgt. Garcia were: