Marine Killed in Helicopter Crash Identified

A French Valley man was identified as one of seven dead after during a training exercise near Yuma, Ariz.

Their 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 following six Marines were stationed at Camp Pendleton:

33, of Clovis, Calif., [resident of French Valley] enlisted in the Marine Corps February 19, 2002 and served as a helicopter crew chief aboard UH-1Y Hueys.

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.

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.

A seventh Marine stationed in Yuma was killed. 

Two . One is looking for the cause of the incident, while the other aims to prevent further tragedies.