Marines Killed in Yuma Helo Crash Identified

Six Camp Pendleton Marines were among the seven dead after  during a training exercise near Yuma.

The local Marines’ commander, Lt. Col. Stephen Lightfoot, of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 commanding officer asked for spiritual support in a statement. 

“Every single one of these Marines impacted our squadron in their own special way and the entire Marine Corps aviation community is feeling their tragic loss," he said. "During this difficult time, I ask that you pray for the families and friends of the warriors we have lost.” 

The Marine Corps released the names of the Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Marines Friday afternoon:

Maj. Thomas A. Budrejko, 37, of Montville, Conn., commissioned in the Marine Corps May 24, 1996 and served as an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Executive Officer of HMLA-469.

Capt. Michael M. Quin, 28, of Purcellville, Va., commissioned in the Marine Corps May 26, 2006 and served as a UH-1Y Huey pilot.

Sgt. Justin A. Everett, 33, of Clovis, Calif., enlisted in the Marine Corps February 19, 2002 and served as a helicopter crew chief aboard UH-1Y Hueys.

Lance Cpl. Corey A. Little, 25, of Marietta, Ga., enlisted in the Marine Corps March 30, 2009 and served as a helicopter crew chief aboard UH-1Y Hueys.

Lance Cpl. Nickoulas H. Elliott, 21, of Spokane, Wash., enlisted in the Marine Corps May 4, 2009 and served as a helicopter crew chief aboard UH-1Y Hueys.

Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia, 31, of Montgomery, Ala., commissioned in the Marine Corps December 14, 2007 and served as an AH-1W Cobra pilot.

Capt. Nathan W. Anderson, 32, of Amarillo, Texas, commissioned in the Marine Corps December 20, 2002 and served as a UH-1Y Huey pilot and was stationed in Yuma. 

Two . One looks to find the cause of the incident, while the other aims to prevent further tragedies.

Correction: An earlier version erroneously implied that Anderson was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. 

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