A Columbus-based non-profit organisation has launched a fundraising drive in support of families. The support is for three local service members who lost their lives alongside three others during Operation Epic Fury in Iraq.
Fundraiser for families of fallen 121st Air Refueling Wing
Rickenbacker Military Families, a charity established in 2009 to support active service members and their families, has mobilised on behalf of Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons. The three men, all members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.
Michael Reed, secretary of Rickenbacker Military Families, said the deaths have deeply affected the organisation.
“This one really hits close to home, and so it has a special intensity for us,” Reed said.
According to Reed, the organisation’s board comprises entirely retired Rickenbacker service members, making the loss of Koval, Angst, and Simmons profoundly personal.
Retired service members rally to support grieving families
The charity regularly provides financial assistance to service members in need, helping cover essential expenses. Members can submit requests through their chain of command to access support.
Reed emphasised that the deaths of the six service members in Operation Epic Fury sent shockwaves throughout every branch of the military.
“We all stand ready to go into harm’s way, or have in the past, and we want to support the folks that are willing to make that sacrifice and that have made that sacrifice to honour them,” Reed said.
He also stressed the meaningful impact that public donations can have on the grieving families. It helps them to know that their loss, while terrible and will never heal, meant something to them.
Rickenbacker Military Families has announced it will cover all processing fees associated with donations. This ensures every dollar contributed goes directly to the families of the three Columbus-based service members.
In a separate development, the Diocese of Cleveland has launched its annual Catholic Charities Easter meals service. The aim is to offer free meals to community members as food insecurity continues to surge across Northeast Ohio.