Marana, Arizona, pays tribute to the 19 Marines who perished in a tragic crash during a training mission on April 8, 2000. The memorial service held at Marana Regional Airport marked 24 years since the accident, drawing one of the largest attendances in recent years.
Remembering the Fallen
During the training mission, an MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft went down at Marana Regional Airport, claiming the lives of the following Marines:
- Sgt. Jose Alvarez
- Lance Cpl. Jason T. Duke
- 2nd Lt. Clayton J. Kennedy
- Kenneth O. Paddio
- Cpl. Can Soler
- Pfc. Gabriel C. Clevenger
- Lance Cpl. Jesus Gonzalez Sanchez
- Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Morin
- Pfc. George P. Santos
- Pvt. Adam L. Tatro
- Pfc. Alfred Corona
- Lance Cpl. Seth G. Jones
- Cpl. Adam C. Neely
- Lance Cpl. Keoki P. Santos
- Cpl. Eric J. Martinez
- Maj. John A. Brow
- Maj. Brooks S. Gruber
- Cpl. Kelly S. Keith
- Staff Sgt. William B. Nelson
Honoring Their Sacrifice
Major Mark Davis, reflecting on the solemn occasion, emphasized the significance of memorializing not just combat losses but also those incurred during training exercises. Davis, who was an operations officer in Yuma at the time of the accident, expressed pride in the professional and respectful ceremony that honored the fallen Marines.
Keeping Their Memory Alive
Mike Flynn, National Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League and emcee at the service, underscored the importance of honoring servicemen and women who make the ultimate sacrifice. He expressed hope for the participation of family members in next year’s service, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the tragic crash.
About the Author
Madison Thomas, a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9 since July 2023, brings a deep connection to Arizona, having grown up in Douglas and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism and mass communication in May 2023. Madison is dedicated to sharing the stories and issues that matter most to the communities she serves. Reach out to Madison with your story ideas and concerns via email at madison.thomas@ NEWS.ORG .com or connect on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
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