Governor McDonnell Encourages Virginians to Support Families Affected by Fatalities in Afghanistan

Press Release

Governor Bob McDonnell today encouraged all Virginians to support many of the families affected by the loss of 30 Americans in the crash of a military helicopter in eastern Afghanistan over the weekend by donating to the Navy SEAL Foundation as well as other support organizations for military families. The Navy SEAL Foundation helps provide support for families above what the U.S. Department of Defense provides, particularly immediate financial support and tragedy assistance to families. Virginians can text SEAL to 90999 to donate $10 or go online to the organization's website (http://navysealfoundation.org) to make a donation. Listed below are additional support organizations for military families also affected by this weekend's tragedy.

Speaking about the effort to support our military families, Governor McDonnell commented, "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. 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."

Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Terrie Suit added, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the heroic warriors who selflessly gave their lives in service to our country this past weekend. I urge our citizens to consider making a donation, no matter how large or small, to help the family members left behind."

The mission of the Navy SEAL Foundation is to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. The Navy SEAL Foundation has three core areas of support: supporting families by easing their burden when an active-duty member of the NSW community is injured or killed in action; providing spouses and their children scholarship programs and other educational assistance; and, making sure that the extraordinary contributions made in defense of our freedoms by members of the NSW community are remembered.

Listed below are additional support organizations for military families also affected by this weekend's tragedy that Virginians are encouraged to assist:

* Armed Forces Relief Trust: www.afrtrust.org
* Special Operations Warrior Foundation: www.specialops.org
* Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation: www.woundedeodwarrior.org

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