Family and friends of 21-year-old Corporal Tevan Nguyen are dealing with the loss of their loved one.

The Hutto, Texas native was killed Tuesday during combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Marine Corps public affairs office. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Nguyen leaves behind a wife and a son, Tevan junior.

Details were not available about how Nguyen was killed. He enlisted in the Marines on June 11, 2007, and Afghanistan was his first combat deployment, according to the public affairs office.

Nguyen’s parents, Tam and Amy Nguyen, had gone to Delaware to identify their son’s body and bring him back to Texas

The marine has relatives living in the Brownwood area.  Family members said that he will likely be buried in a family plot in Brownwood, however funeral arrangements are currently pending.

Because Nguyen was based in California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement Wednesday about Nguyen’s death:

“Corporal Tevan Nguyen was a brave Marine who gave his life in service to our country. Maria and I were deeply saddened to learn of his death, and we will forever be grateful for his sacrifice.

“On behalf of all Californians, we extend our sympathies to Tevan’s friends and family during this difficult time. In honor of Cpl. Nguyen, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.”