Crews Investigate Military Crash That Killed 7

Crews Investigate Military Crash That Killed 7 (February 23, 2012)

4:09 p.m. PST, February 24, 2012
SAN DIEGO -- Officials released the names of the seven Marines killed this week in a helicopter crash near Yuma, Ariz.

Six Marines were assigned to Marine  Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and based at Camp Pendleton. One was stationed at MCAS Yuma.

  • 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.
  • Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia, 31, of Montgomery, Ala., commissioned in the Marine Corps December 14, 2007 and served as an AH-1W Cobra 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. Nathan W. Anderson, 32, of Amarillo, Texas, commissioned in the Marine Corps December 20, 2002 and served as a UH-1Y Huey pilot.  Anderson was assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
"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. During this difficult time, I ask that you pray for the families and friends of the warriors we have lost.” said Lt. Col. Stephen Lightfoot, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 commanding officer.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of the Marines involved in this tragic accident," said Col. Bradford Gering, commanding officer, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. "We will do everything in our power to support all those affected and honor their memories."