Memorial held for local Marines killed in helicopter crash

NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY (KTRK) -- Two fallen Marines from the Houston area were honored Saturday at the Fallen Warriors Memorial. Maj. Shawn Campbell and Cpl. Matthew Drown were among 12 Marines killed in January when two helicopters collided during a nighttime training mission off the coast of Hawaii.

"I'm proud of what our boys did and I'm broken hearted because we lost them," said Donna McGrew, Maj. Campbell's mother. She is humbled by the community's support.

"Right now, it's just a time of thanks and gratitude and to thank the country for reaching out and loving our military boys," she said.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and military men and women flanked the two families. Surrounded by their friends and even some strangers, everyone at the public service will ensure that Maj. Campbell and Cpl. Drown won't be forgotten. The service took place not far from both of their homes in Spring. Maj. Campbell was a father of four and Texas A&M graduate.

"I'm very impressed with the outpouring of support and the pride the community has in Matthew and Major Campbell," explained Cpl. Drown's cousin Robert Smith, who is also a Marine and a member of the California Highway Patrol.

Cpl. Drown was laid to rest Friday and Maj. Campbell will be laid to rest next week. This local service comes after a service in Hawaii in January.