Coast Guard Foundation Launches Fundraising Drive to Support Families of Guardians in Helicopter Tragedy

STONINGTON, Conn., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today a fundraising drive for its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund in response to the Coast Guard 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 to the families of the fallen crewmembers. 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 pilot Lt. Sean Krueger of Seymour, Connecticut; flight mechanic AMT1 Adam Hoke of Great Falls, Montana; and flight mechanic; AMT2 Brett Banks of Rock Springs, Wyoming. The only crash survivor, co-pilot Lt. Lance Leone of Ventura, California, is recovering from injuries.

The Coast Guard Foundation is working with Coast Guard headquarters and its Seventeenth District to provide assistance to the families. A memorial service on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Air Station Sitka will provide additional support to the Coast Guard Community.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the crew, their families and the entire Coast Guard," said Anne Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. "At this time of great tragedy, your support is needed now to help the families of these fallen heroes."

To support the Family Disaster Relief and Fallen Heroes Scholarship Funds 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.

About The Coast Guard Foundation

The Coast Guard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1969. It was initially created to provide funds for academic, athletic, and morale needs of the Coast Guard Academy and its cadets, which were not covered by federal operational funding. In 1986, the Foundation expanded its charter to support projects that enhance the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families. A Board of 100 Trustees from all parts of the country governs the Foundation. The Trustees elect from their members a 30 person Board of Directors to oversee the management of the Foundation. Located in Stonington, Connecticut, the Foundation employs a staff of twelve civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation's objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.

SOURCE Coast Guard Foundation