Honoring fallen Marines at Marana Regional Airport

Published on March 31, 2023

MARANA- The Marana Regional Airport will be hosting a memorial service for the 19 U.S. Marines killed in an aircraft crash at the airport on April 8, 2000.

According to Matt McMahon, Commandant of the Nighthawk-72 Marana Detachment #1344 Marine Corps League, the 23rd Anniversary Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

It will include posting of colors by Marine Corps Reserve Bulk Fuel Company Alpha, a wreath laying by various organizations, rifle salute by Bulk Fuel Co A, taps, bagpiper and vocalist Marine Amanda Sinner. Mayor Ed Honea will also be among the featured guest speakers.

This event is free and is open to the public.

The 19 Marines were killed after their MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft went down during a training mission.

19 service members lost were as follows:

3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division

Sgt. Jose Alvarez, 28
Lance Cpl. Jason T. Duke, 28.
2nd Lt. Clayton J. Kennedy, 24
Kenneth O. Paddio, 23
Cpl. Can Soler, 21
Pfc. Gabriel C. Clevenger, 21
Lance Cpl. Jesus Gonzalez Sanchez, 27
Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Morin, 21
Pfc. George P. Santos, 24
Pvt. Adam L. Tatro, 19
Pfc. Alfred Corona, 23
Lance Cpl. Seth G. Jones, 18
Cpl. Adam C. Neely, 22 Pfc.
Lance Cpl. Keoki P. Santos, 24

Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38

Cpl. Eric J. Martinez, 21

Marine Helicopter Squadron 1

Maj. John A. Brow, 39
Maj. Brooks S. Gruber, 34
Cpl. Kelly S. Keith, 22

Marine Tilt-Rotor Training Squadron 204

Staff Sgt. William B. Nelson, 30