In the wake of last week's events we've received a number of emails asking if anything can be done to assist the affected families. We've included links to a number of organizations that accept donations below, but please feel free to share your ideas in the comments section as well.
Operation Support Our Troops - OSOT is collecting donations of airline miles to help the families of Ft. Lewis soldiers reunite with their loved ones at VA hospitals.
Soldiers' Angels - The group offers assistance to military families for travel expenses, and provides wounded servicemen and women with backpacks of essentials when they arrive at hospitals in Germany and the U.S.
Fisher House - This organization provides lodging at "comfort homes" located at VA medical facilities around the country. It is estimated that military families have saved over $60 million because of Fisher House's generosity. We know many Stryker families have been able to take advantage of this program.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - "The Fund provides unrestricted grants to the families of military personnel who have given their lives in the current operations in defense of our country. The gifts, $10,000 to each dependent family and an additional $5,000 per child, are intended to help these families through any immediate or long-term financial difficulties they may face."
Finally, Michael Reagan, a renowned portrait artist and Vietnam veteran, offers free portraits of fallen soldiers for their families. Michael wanted everyone to know that if any of the families of the Mosul tragedy want him to create a portrait now he will give them priority treatment. I know several Stryker Brigade families that have asked for, and received, these special portraits.
