[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2652-2653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN MARINES

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, California and the Nation are mourning the 
loss of seven courageous and dedicated marines who died last week in a 
midair helicopter collision during a routine training exercise in a 
remote mountain area in Imperial County, CA.
  This is a tragic loss for our military and our Nation. It is also a 
reminder of the sacrifices that all our servicemembers make each and 
every day. These brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to 
keep us safe--whether

[[Page 2653]]

they are engaged in combat, conducting humanitarian missions, or taking 
part in training exercises here at home.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to these marines: 
Maj. Thomas A. Budrejko of Montville, Connecticut; Capt. Michael M. 
Quin of Purcellville, Virginia; Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia of 
Montgomery, Alabama; Capt. Nathan W. Anderson of Amarillo, Texas; Sgt. 
Justin A. Everett of Clovis, California; LCpl Corey A. Little of 
Marietta, Georgia; and LCpl Nickoulas H. Elliott of Spokane, 
Washington.
  Six of the victims were stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton 
in San Diego County. The seventh was stationed at Marine Corps Air 
Station in Yuma, AZ.
  At this time of great sorrow, my thoughts and prayers are with the 
families and friends of these seven marines. Nothing can fully account 
for the tremendous loss they have suffered, but I hope they can take 
comfort in knowing that their loved ones will be forever remembered and 
honored by a grateful nation.

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