Gunner's Blog

JONES SUPPORTS MEMORIAL TO HONOR V-22 OSPREY CRASH VICTIMS

 Â“These Marines hold a special place in my heart, and I feel we cannot honor them enough for their pioneering spirit, bravery and patriotism.”

Washington, D.C.- In letters today to Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, and United States Marine Corps Commandant, General Michael Hagee, Third District Representative Walter B. Jones expressed his support for a memorial in honor of the victims of the two V-22 Osprey crashes that occurred in the year 2000.  Jones asked England and Hagee to also support the memorial plans.   

“These pilots and their aircrews accepted a mission that had uncertain costs,” Jones said in the letter.  “Because of their heroic actions, a new generation of Marine Corps aviation is one step closer to a reality, and because of this memorial, their acts will never be forgotten.  I hope that you will support this noble effort and keep the memory of these warriors alive.””   

The Osprey Memorial Foundation has requested the Marine Corps approve the proposed memorial, which would be built near the Marine Corps Heritage Center in Quantico, Virginia.

The first V-22 Osprey crash occurred in Arizona in April of 2000 killing nineteen Marines. The second happened in North Carolina of that same year, killing four more Marines.      

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.