Gov. Honors Local Soldier Killed in Action

Gov. Jerry Brown ordered flags flown at half staff over the state capitol Wednesday in honor of Sgt. Thomas R. Macpherson, the 26-year-old Los Alamitos High School graduate killed in combat in Afghanistan Friday.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, “On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Sgt. Thomas R. Macpherson, 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.”
MacPherson, 26, was killed by enemy forces during a heavy firefight in Ghazni Province, according to a statement from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

MacPherson was assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2007, and served as a mortarman and  Ranger Team Leader for more than four years. 

“Sgt. Tom MacPherson lost his life courageously leading his Rangers into a close quarters fight with the enemy,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Anderson, Commander of 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in a written statement.

“Tommy MacPherson never backed away from the dangers of combat, and his warrior spirit, personal example and zeal for life continue to inspire all who knew him,” Anderson said. “We will honor his service to our nation and the heroic example he set for all Rangers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the MacPherson family.”

He is survived by his wife, Claudia MacPherson, and their son, Brayden, of Tacoma, Wash., and his parents, Troy and Diona MacPherson of Long Beach.