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Services set for fallen soldier
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Spc. Benjamin C. Pleitez died while serving as a combat medic in Afghanistan. - photo by Photo Contributed

 

Funeral services for Spc. Benjamin C. Pleitez, the Turlock soldier who died while serving as a combat medic in Afghanistan, have been set for Wednesday.

A memorial service for Pleitez will take place at 1 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2400 N. Olive Ave. in Turlock. Immediately after the service, graveside honors will be held at the San Joaquin National Cemetery, 3205 McCabe Road, Santa Nella, where Pleitez will be laid to rest.
A reception will then be held at the Gustine Veterans Memorial Hall, 145 5th St. in Gustine.

Pleitez, 25, died July 27 in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. The cause of death has not been released.

Pleitez was assigned to the 649th Military Police Company, 185th Military Police Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade, Army National Guard, San Luis Obispo, and attached to the 1072nd Transportation Company, 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, Army National Guard, Van Nuys.

Pleitez was deployed to Afghanistan in March of this year, said 1st Lt. William Martin, public affairs officer for the California National Guard. It is believed to have been his first deployment.

Pleitez and his family moved to Turlock in 1999. He attended Modesto Adventist Academy in Ceres and Denair High School. He graduated through an independent study program and went on to earn his emergency medical technician certification.

Turlock Mayor John Lazar proclaimed on Tuesday the flag of the United States and the State of California will be flown at half staff at all city-owned facilities in honor of Spc. Pleitez through Friday.