The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, has begun a fund-raising drive for its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund in response to the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crash off the coast of La Push, Washington this past Wednesday, July 7th, that claimed the lives of three servicemen. The crewmembers of CG-6017 were based at Air Station Sitka, Alaska.
The Coast Guard Foundation is seeking financial support for the Family Disaster Relief Fund. This fund provides immediate assistance to the families of the fallen crewmembers as they deal with this tragedy, and will provide comfort for other Coast Guard families who find themselves in similar devastating circumstances. The Coast Guard Foundation also seeks support for the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships for the children of Coast Guard members who perish in the line of duty. Six children lost their fathers in this tragedy and the Foundation will provide scholarship funds to each one to assist with higher education expenses.
The Coast Guard has identified the lost personnel as Lt. Sean D. Krueger of Seymour, Connecticut, pilot, age 33; AMT1 Adam C. Hoke of Great Falls, Montana, flight mechanic, age 40; and AMT2 Brett M. Banks of Rock Springs, Wyoming, flight mechanic, age 33. The only survivor of the crash, Lt. Lance D. Leone of Ventura, California, co-pilot, age 29, is recovering from injuries.
The Coast Guard Foundation is working with Coast Guard headquarters and its Seventeenth District to identify the needs of the families and how it can best provide assistance in response to this tragedy. Additional support to the Coast Guard community will be provided in the form of a memorial service on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Air Station Sitka, where 1,500 people are expected to gather to show their respect.
Those wishing to support the Family Disaster Relief Fund and the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund may visit the Coast Guard Foundation’s website at www.coastguardfoundation.org, call the Foundation at 860-535-0786 or fax a note to 860-535-0944. For more information on the Coast Guard Foundation and its many worthwhile scholarship and support initiatives, please visit the Coast Guard Foundation website www.coastguardfoundation.org.
