Marine from Pomona among 16 troops to perish in plane crash

Owen Lennon, a 26-year-old Marine from Pomona, died in a plane crash on July 10 while on active duty. He was one of 16 troops to perish when the KCT130T refueling plane he was traveling in crashed in a soybean field in the Mississippi delta.

Lennon graduated from Ramapo High School in 2008, where he played football and tennis.

Friends and family continue to grieve. On Facebook, childhood friend and fellow Marine Christian Alvarado posted a photo of the two in front of a Marine helicopter with the title paying tribute to his lifelong friend. Alvarado recalled that the woods of Harriman Park became a playground for he and Lennon. The two men graduated school, trained and joined the Marines together, both becoming sergeants.

Rockland County Executive Ed day extended his condolences to Lennon’s friends and family, stating, “The loss of Marine Owen Lennon of Pomona reminds us again that freedom is never free … this Marine from Rockland County represented the very best that our young people have to offer.”

Assemblyman James Skoufis, whose district includes Stewart Airforce Base, said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 16 service members, including those based out of Stewart, who were killed in yesterday’s tragic crash. These brave men and women dedicated themselves to the service of our nation, and their sacrifice will not soon be forgotten.”

  owen lennon, pomona marine, ramaoo high school