Marine EOD Technician Killed in Combat

Iraq  A Marine EOD Technician based out of Camp Pendleton died while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. The Marine killed was Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao, age 27, of Sunnyvale, California. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. He joined the Marine Corps just over 9 years ago.

He was seven months into his third tour of duty in Iraq for which he volunteered for. Sgt Tayaotao is survived by his sister and his parents. In his honor, flags at the California's State Capitol will be flown at half-staff. A statement released from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office stated in part "Sergeant Michael Tayaotao's courage is an example of the extraordinary commitment that is displayed every day by our nation's servicemembers".