Legion leader mourning lost Marines

Legion leader mourning lost Marines

American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger is expressing his organization’s sympathies for the families of four U.S. Marines killed at Camp Pendleton Wednesday. The Marines, whose names have not yet been released publicly, died during a “range maintenance” operation at the huge California military installation late Wednesday morning.

“This is not the time to talk about budget cuts or other political issues,” Dellinger said. “It is a time to put these matters aside and extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those brave Marines we lost today. The American Legion does just that. May the good Lord hold their families close and comfort them in this time of mourning.”

Dellinger also noted that the Camp Pendleton tragedy is “a poignant reminder of the perils of military service; a compelling reason to hold all servicemembers, at home and away, in time of peace and in time of war, always close to our hearts.”

Camp Pendleton officials have provided no details of what was termed a “fatal incident” but say an investigation is underway.