“Today the people of Yuma and Arizona mourn the death of seven U.S. Marines killed when two helicopters collided near Yuma. It is a sad reminder that our brave service men and women face risks every day, not only abroad but here at home.

Yuma is home to active military helicopter training, and those of us who live there see the copters overhead frequently. Today’s tragedy is a reminder that there is no such thing as a “routine” training mission.

Please take a moment today to pray for the family and friends of these seven Marines, and thank the men and women of our Armed Services for constantly protecting our freedom.”