Fallen Sacramento Coast Guard Crew Honored at Memorial

SLIDESHOW: Coast Guard Memorial Service

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Coast Guard held a memorial service Friday for seven members of a Sacramento flight crew who died in a collision with a Marine helicopter near San Diego last week.  The service was also a tribute to the two marines who lost their lives. 

The ceremony was held at Air Station Sacramento at the former McClellan Air Force Base, where the crew of the C-130 was based. The service was closed to the public, but was transmitted live over the internet.

"To risk and to offer one's life in the pursuit of saving the lives of others.  They are an inspiration and encouragement to do better to be better," said Commander Darrel Wesley, Coast Guard District 11 Chaplain.

"The crew of Coast Guard Rescue 1705 had honor.  They were proficient.  They were professional and they flew with pride," said Captain J.J. O'Connor, Commanding Officer, CGAS Sacramento.

The plane with seven people onboard was searching for a missing boater when it collided with a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter on a training exercise. The helicopter's two-man crew also died.

A joint Marines-Coast Guard board is investigating the cause of the crash.

Here are the Coast Guard crew being remembered:

• Lt. Cmdr. Che J. Barnes, 35, of Capay, Calif.
• Lt. Adam W. Bryant, 28, Crew, Va.
• Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman, 43, Stockton, Calif.
• Petty Officer Carl P. Grigonis, 35, Mayfield Heights, Ohio.
• Petty Officer Monica L. Beacham, 29, Decaturville, Tenn.
• Petty Officer Jason S. Moletzsky, 26, Norristown, Pa.
• Petty Officer Danny R. Kreder II, 22, Elm Mott, Texas.
• Maj. Samuel Leigh, 35, Kennebec, Maine. 

The memorial service was carried on Live_Online.  Here's what some viewers said during the online conversation:

CG Brat wrote: "As a daughter of a retired USCG Chief and flight engineer who flew the 1705 here in SacTown, we grieve as family today."

Coast Guard pilot wrote: "Thank you for broadcasting... many in the Coast Guard Family around the world are watching."

Guest wrote: "Our son is a pilot at USCG Sac. I know it has been a very difficult week for him as well as the rest of the Coasties. God bless the missing and those they left behind. Those that serve will always be my heroes and in my thoughts and prayers continually."

Angie Alexander wrote: "It is a truly sad event, everyone feels it, I met Monica and her daughter at a gathering about a year ago .. very sweet gal and her daughter is such a doll.. we're all heartbroken over the loss of this crew."

Telesia Sobol wrote: "I worked with Adam Bryant at MSU Morgan City....he became one of my best friends. One of the greatest guys I've ever known."

Kim Stallknecht wrote: "We were stationed with John in Kodiak and Sacramento. We're going to miss you John."

WM, Kodiak Ak wrote: "God bless all the families that are affected this day. Monica, you will be missed."

Christie Castro wrote: "My USCG family and I are watching this from both Sacramento and Clearwater at the same time. We mourn together today."

Watching from NV wrote: "We are one family today."

Angie Alexander, Sacramento wrote: "My heart is broken for all the families and friends of all lost crew members. My deepest sympathies and condolences, you will remain in my prayers and thoughts forever. I'm so sad for your loss."

Barbers Point, Hawaii wrote: "Wish I could be standing there next to my husband....times like these really make you thankful and blessed for what God has given you."

Lisa, Tampa, FL wrote: "My son too is stationed there. This is a tremendously difficult day for him and all the C130 crews in Sacramento. I hope the families know how broken all our hearts are...if that can even be measured."

Angela, Naples, FL wrote: "My brother is a C-130 crewmember stationed at CGAS Sacramento. Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families."

CGAS Sac Wife wrote: "My husband worked with these fine people. Rest in peace and God bless them and their families."

Shannon-AE C130 wife, Clearwater, FL wrote: "All my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones today."

Ray Hall wrote: "Thank You News10 for carrying this live. You're always there for families during Memorials."

Kim Blume wrote: "We moved on from sac in 2003, We loved our time there. As a Coast Guard wife my heart is with the families and crew today."

Jeb & Stephanie Friend Barbers Point, Hawaii wrote: "RIP USCG Crew 1705 and prayers to all of the family and friends of these brave shipmates!"

Dave & Sandy Henson wrote: "Our son-in-law is in the Coast Guard, he is a very close friend of John Seidman's, He flew in yesterday from Port Angels to honor his fellow coasties. We are very proud of the US Coast Guard, we also had the honor of having met John many times, he was a wonderful person."

Elise, CG Wife, ASCC wrote: "Thank you for streaming this ceremony. It's important for all of us to share in this memorial together. Thoughts, prayers, and tears for all affected by this tragedy from all across the country."

Shawna Cain and Melissa Blair, AS E-CITY wrote: "You made the ultimate sacrifice crew of 1705. We will never forget you! Many prayers for the families.. Monica you were an inspiration to all of us Women."

Misty Clark wrote: "Adam was one of my favorite upperclassmen of the Class of 1999 at KFS, he was one of the most caring people I've ever known and always welcomed me with a big bright smile. I will always miss him!"

Pat Lenzi, NV wrote: " This has been a beautiful ceremony. A fitting memorial for these heroes. Godspeed."

Angie in MC, LA wrote: "Yes thank you news10 from Adam's friends that couldn't be there in Person ! We really appreciate it!"

Spouse wrote: " The Coast Guard Family from around the country cannot thank you enough News 10 for sharing this with all of us!

Mark Harris, Crewe wrote: "VA News 10 thank you for the broadcast, I live in the hometown of LT Adam Bryant co-pilot."

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