Coast Guard Foundation Re-Activates Disaster Relief Fund Following Airplane Tragedy

November 3, 2009

Non-Profit Organization Issues Call for Assistance to Provide Support the Families of CG-1705

STONINGTON, Conn., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 that it has re-activated its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund in response to last Thursday's C-130 crash off the California coast. The Coast Guard Foundation is asking for financial support to assist the families of the lost crew of CG-1705. The Family Disaster Relief Fund was established in September 2008 in the wake of the helicopter crash in Hawaii that resulted in the loss of 4 Coast Guard members.

The Coast Guard has identified the missing personnel as Lt. Cmdr. Che J. Barnes, Capay, California, aircraft commander, age 35; Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham, Decaturville, Tennessee, radio operator, age 29; Lt. Adam W. Bryant, Crewe, Virginia, co-pilot, age 28; Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, navigator, age 35; Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II, Elm Mott, Texas, drop master, age 22; Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky, Norristown, Pennsylvania, air crew, age 26; and Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman, Stockton, California, flight engineer, age 43.

"At this difficult time, 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. "This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers these heroes face every day, and why the Foundation is dedicated to serve and support them and their families. We hope that others will join us in coming to their aid."

The Coast Guard Foundation is working with the Coast Guard to plan a memorial service for the fallen, which will take place Friday, November 6th at Air Station Sacramento in California.

"This memorial is important to the families, the Coast Guard and the community at large as they gather to pay tribute to the bravery and fortitude of these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice while pursuing the Service's core values - Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty," continued Brengle.

The Coast Guard Foundation will also assist the families through the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship support to the children of Coast Guard members who die in the line of service to our country.

Those wishing to support the Family Disaster Relief Fund, the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund or the CG-1705 Memorial Service 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 with donation information and a reference to the CG-1705 Disaster Relief.

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 ten civilians responsible for meeting the Foundation's objectives and working closely with the Coast Guard on all issues.

SOURCE Coast Guard Foundation