Montville High Grad Dies in Helicopter Crash

A Montville man was killed on the California/Arizona border on Wednesday, when two helicopters belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing collided.

Maj. Thomas A. Budrejko, 37, formerly of Montville, was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 24, 1996. He served as an AH-1W Cobra pilot and Executive Officer of HMLA-469.

The local Marines’ commander, Lt. Col. Stephen Lightfoot, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 commanding officer, asked for spiritual support in a statement. 

“Every single one of these Marines impacted our squadron in their own special way and the entire Marine Corps aviation community is feeling their tragic loss," he said. "During this difficult time, I ask that you pray for the families and friends of the warriors we have lost.” 

The Marine Corps released the names of the Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Marines Friday afternoon.

Budrejko served three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and one deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010.

He earned a number of awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

According to published reports, Budrejko and the others were flying on the Yuma Training Range Complex as part of a two-week standard training called “Scorpion Fire” that involved a squadron from the 3rd Maine Aircraft Wing.

In addition to his parents, Donald and Mary Budrejko, Budrejko is survived by a brother and two sisters, all Montville High School graduates, and many friends in Connecticut.

NECN.com reports that Budrejko graduated from Montville High School before going to the Naval Academy and then on to his career as a Marine aviator. He had deployed multiple times since 2003.

"He was funny," said his aunt, Gail Budrejko, of Newington. "He was successful. He was a Renaissance man, but most of all he was kind. He was such a kind person, and really wanted to make a difference — not just in the wider world but person-to-person.

"I think the world was a better place because Tommy was in it," she said.

On his squadron's website, a biography says that Budrejko had a master's degree from the Marine Corps' Command and Staff College. He served in Kosovo, did three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His aunt said he was preparing for another deployment to Afghanistan.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the state stands "with his family and friends in grieving his loss" and flags will be lowered to half-staff for his funeral.

ALSO KILLED IN THE CRASH were Capt. Michael M. Quin, 28, of Purcellville, Va.;
Capt. Benjamin N. Cerniglia, 31, of Montgomery, Ala.; Sgt. Justin A. Everett, 33, of Clovis, Calif., Lance Cpl. Corey A. Little, 25, of Marietta, Ga.; Lance Cpl. Nickoulas H. Elliott, 21, of Spokane, Wash.; and Capt. Nathan W. Anderson, 32, of Amarillo, Texas.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of the Marines involved in this tragic accident," said Col. Bradford Gering, commanding officer, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. "We will do everything in our power to support all those affected and honor their memories."

The cause of the crash is under investigation.