VIRGINIA BEACH, VA--(Marketwire - Aug 9, 2011) - Navy SEALs killed in a combat operation over the weekend represent the biggest single-day loss of life for the American military in Afghanistan, as well as the deadliest day ever for Navy SEALs. To help the families of the fallen Navy SEALs, mobile phone users can text "SEAL" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Navy SEAL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides support in times of adversity to U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel and their families.
"These warriors were at the tip of the spear in the global war on terror, exhibiting extraordinary skill, courage and commitment. It is paramount for the foundation to support their families here at home," said retired Vice Adm. Albert "Bert" Calland, III, USN, chairman of the Navy SEAL Foundation. "When a warrior falls, the Foundation is prepared to take the burden of cost away from the families and help them with planning. The families will have enough to concern themselves with during this time."
Calland is the former Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, and Commander, Special Operations Command, Central within the U.S. Central Command. He concluded his active-duty career as Deputy Director of the CIA.
The Navy SEAL Foundation assists families during tragedies by easing their burden and defraying the financial costs of travel for immediate family members, so they can attend memorial services and funerals.
Prior to this historic loss, the biggest single-day loss of life for the U.S. Navy SEALs came on June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings in the Kunar Province in Afghanistan when 11 Navy SEALs were killed.
About the Navy SEAL Foundation
The Navy SEAL Foundation provides support in times of adversity and achievement to U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, Naval Special Warfare support personnel and their families. The foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 2000 and underwent a name change in January 2011 when The SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund combined their organizations. 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 is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., at the SEAL Heritage Center, Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek. Information is available at www.navysealfoundation.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/navySEALfoundation.
Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Navy SEAL Foundation Media Advisory
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 305274