Three Pendleton Marines Killed in Crash Are ID'ed
All of the men were data network specialists in their early 20s.
The three Camp Pendleton Marines killed early Tuesday in Dana Point when their car slammed into a tree have been indentified.
Corporal Christopher Arzola, 21, of Westfield, Mass., Sergeant Jeremiah Callahan, 23, of Chadron, Neb., and Corporal Jason Chleborad, 22, of Rapid City, S.D., died on that rainy morning. The car's driver remained hospitalized in serious condition at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, according to Camp Pendleton officials. Authorities have not released the lone survivor's name.
Arzola was a data network specialist with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Sept. 8, 2008. Arzola's personal service awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Callahan, also a data network specialist with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 26, 2008. Callahan's personal service awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO ISAF Afghanistan Medal.
Chleborad, too, was a data network specialist with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 18, 2008. Chleborad's personal service awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the NATO ISAF Afghanistan Medal.
The Marines were in a Dodge Stratus that crashed at Golden Lantern Street just past Terra Vista. It took firefighters about 20 minutes to cut through the wreckage to get to the servicemen.
The Stratus was northbound on Golden Lantern at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the car, which hit a curb before slamming into a tree just past Terra Vista, Amormino said. Officials say alcohol may have played a role in the crash.
Jean Norma
11:36 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thats what happens when you drink and drive... I would know.. it happened to me. Luckily I did not kill anyone..
V. Duvall
3:57 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
It's a very, very sad day when we hear these things.
Chris Fosterling
7:27 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
RIP Marines!
Stardreko
12:08 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
More Marines in Heaven Urrah...!
kim
3:36 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
It is a sad thing to happen that no one should make fun of or make light of, our house is off golden lantern and the accident site is very
Close to us. our family sees the memorial every day.
ashley
7:36 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012
This worries me. I don't think people are aware of how much drinking these young service people do...many of the service men I know get drunk nightly...starting at enlistment...which is about 18yrs old
vernessia
9:07 am on Monday, February 20, 2012
May God bless and keep their families durng this painful time
rita armendariz
5:55 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I pray for our Military families and friends, this is a very hard time, only those who have been through this will know this pain!
Rita, Gold Star Mother of LCPL Johnny ( Camp Lejuene) 2006
Campbell.
4:43 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I want to say to all the parents of these fine men that I am so sorry for your loss. My son is also a Marine and is currently in Florida at Cory Station. I would be devestated to hear news like this. May God bless you during this time of great sorrow.