4 Mississippi Marine Corps Plane Crash Victims Had Hudson Valley Connections
The Marine Corps identified the 16 men who were killed when their plane crashed in Mississippi. Many had local connections.
Fifteen Marines and one Navy Sailor were killed in the crash. Nine of the men were based at the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.
The men based out of Orange County were:
- Major Caine M. Goyette
- Capt. Sean Elliot
- Gunnery Sgt. Mark A. Hopkins
- Gunnery Sgt. Brendan C. Johnson
- Staff Sgt. Joshua M. Snowden
- Sgt. Julian M. Kevianne
- Sgt. Owen J. Lennon
- Corporal Daniel I. Baldassare
- Corporal Collin J. Schaaff
Lennon, 26, went to high school in Rockland County and lived in Newburgh. Kevianne, 31, and 34-year-old Hopkins both lived in New Windsor.
"The release of the names brings this tragedy home to Orange County," Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “We now officially know the names of these husbands, fathers, sons and brothers who were lost serving their country. Orange County continues to mourn this loss and we pledge our support to the families of these brave service members.”
Johnson, 46, was planning on retiring in the near future. He had ties to Dutchess and Orange Counties.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sgt. Brendan Johnson earlier this week while serving our country in the United States Marine Corps,” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro stated. “Since joining the Armed Forces more than 20 years ago, Brendan selflessly protected his country; and he proudly represented his neighbors throughout Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley. Brendan’s legacy will be one of dedication to his country and service to his fellow Americans."
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday.
“These service members, many of whom were based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base, answered the call to serve this nation and defend its ideals,” Cuomo said. I share in the pain and the heartbreak caused by the deaths of these brave service members and urge everyone to keep them and their loved ones in your prayers during this difficult and trying time."
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