San Benito Navy Seaman dies in San Diego

SAN BENITO — City officials are planning to honor U.S. Navy Seaman Belinda Annette “Nettie” Puga, 20, of San Benito who died July 23 at the Naval Station in San Diego.

No cause of death has been released by the Defense Department, San Benito city spokeswoman Martha McClain said.

Puga’s body will arrive at 10 p.m. today at McAllen Miller International Airport, Victor Garza, chairman of the San Benito Veterans Advisory Board, said.

Puga was a helicopter mechanic, Garza said. She graduated from San Benito High School in May 2008 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of that year, according to a statement from McClain.

Mayor Jack Garcia said he was saddened by Puga’s death.

“On behalf of the city and the City Commission, we send our condolences to the family,” Garcia said. “This is a very tragic event.”

“Many Americans are fighting for our country and when someone gives the ultimate sacrifice, it is deeply felt by everyone in the community,” the mayor said.

San Benito police and city officials will provide an escort from the airport in McAllen to the funeral home in San Benito, Garza said. The Naval Reserve Center in Harlingen will also provide an honor guard for Puga’s funeral, he said.

Visitation is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 Business 77, city officials said in a statement. City officials will place American flags around the funeral home, Garza said.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at San Benito Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Heavenly Grace Cemetery in La Feria.

The Defense Department is not releasing Puga’s cause of death, McClain said, and Puga’s family is requesting privacy from the news media and public.