Brian Jones: “13 years ago, on April 8, 2000, 19 marines lost their lives in a tragic plane crash at Marana Regional Airport in…”

“13 years ago, on April 8, 2000, 19 marines lost their lives in a tragic plane crash at Marana Regional Airport in Arizona. The Marine Corps attributed partial blame for the crash to error on the part of the pilot, Lieutenant Colonel John Brow, and the copilot, Major Brooks Gruber. The Corps' decision to assign blame to the pilots has been a point of controversy ever since the year 2000. Mr. Speaker, 2 years after the accident, I received a letter from Major Gruber's wife, Connie, who actually lives in the district that I represent, the home of Camp Lejeune Marine Base and New River Air Station. I will quote from her letter to me that I received in 2000: I contacted you in hopes that leaders of integrity, free of bias, would have both the intelligence and the courage it takes to decide the facts for themselves. If you do that, you will agree the ``human factor/pilot error'' findings should not stand as it is in military history. Again, I respectfully ask you for your support. Please do not simply pass this matter along to General Jones without offering the support my husband and his comrades deserve. Please remember, these 19 marines can no longer speak for themselves. I certainly am not afraid to speak for them, and I believe someone has to. Even though it is easier put to rest and forgotten, please join me in doing the right thing by taking the time to address this important issue. Mr.…”