Governor orders flags flown at half-staff for Marine killed in helicopter crash

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer

Lowering State Flags in Wake of Marine Deaths

 

            “This week, our nation lost seven U.S. Marines in what has been described as one of the Corps’ deadliest aviation accidents in years. The Marines were performing a nighttime training exercise near the California-Arizona border when their two helicopters crashed.

 

            “Capt. Nathan W. Anderson, 32, was among the casualties of this tragic incident. Capt. Anderson, originally of Amarillo, Texas, was from the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. He had deployed three times to Iraq, and was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan with the other Marines killed in the exercise. In honor of Capt. Anderson’s service and sacrifice, I have ordered that flags at all state buildings be flown at half-staff Saturday, February 25, 2012, from sunrise until sunset.

 

            “I ask that you continue to keep Capt. Anderson and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Please also offer your prayers for the friends and family of the other six brave Marines killed during this terrible tragedy:

 

·         Maj. Thomas A. Budrejko,37, of Montville, Connecticut;

·         Capt. Michael M. Quin, 28, of Purcellville, Virginia;

·         Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia, 31, of Montgomery, Alabama;

·         Sgt. Justin A. Everett, 33, of Clovis, California;

·         Lance Cpl. Corey A. Little, 25, of Marietta, Georgia;

·         Lance Cpl. Nickoulas H. Elliott, 21, of Spokane, Washington.

 

            “This accident proves once again that our servicemen and women confront dangers daily, whether in combat or on a training mission. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”