Gov. Bob McDonnell is asking "every Virginian" to make a donation to help support the families of the 22 Virginia Beach-based Navy SEALs, and other service members, killed in the Chinook helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
The governor encouraged Virginians to donate specifically to the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides financial support and tragedy assistance to families of Navy SEALs who have been injured or killed on active duty.
“The Navy SEAL Foundation, as well as the many other military support organizations for branches of our armed forces, provides immediate help to families during times of need. These are excellent organizations that help to take some of the immediate cost burden away from families, and continue to provide support to families down the road," McDonnell said. "I want to encourage every Virginian to make a donation today, no matter how small. This is another way that Virginians can show that we are forever thankful to those who have given their lives for our freedom, and we will not forget their loved ones here at home.”
A $10 donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation can be made by texting SEAL to 90999 or by visiting the foundation's website at www.nswfoundation.org .
Navy SEAL Foundation board director Kristi Cummings gave this statementon support the organization has received since the crash:
"The Navy SEAL Foundation is focusing its efforts now on the families of the fallen SEALs, so we can facilitate the help they need to make it through today, tomorrow and the challenging months ahead. The public is being so incredibly kind, and the foundation is seeing a tremendous outpouring of support from individuals across the country. We have seen more visitors than ever on our Facebook page, where individuals are posting their condolences and memories, in addition to increased online donations. We also have had a tremendous amount of traffic going to our website. People are truly looking for a way to show this community that they care and that they appreciate their service."
Additional organizations that offer support to the military families affected by the deaths of the 30 service members in Afghanistan Saturday include:
Armed Forces Relief Trust Fund: www.afrtrust.org
Special Operations Warrior Foundation: www.specialops.org
Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation: www.woundedeodwarrior.org
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