Firefighters Fund Helps Servicemembers

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 9, 2007 - Each year, the country pauses to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and all who perished in them. One group, however, works year round to honor the 343 firefighters killed that day and to help servicemembers and their families. The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund was founded in memory of its namesake, a decorated member of Rescue 4 of the New York Fire Department and chief of the Dix Hills Volunteer Fire Department, who was firefighters killed in the attacks. The fund offers education and financial assistance to servicemembers and firefighters, said Brian Farrell, the organization's chairman and Terry's brother.

The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"We support military unit members in many ways, (including) by donating to the Wounded Warrior Fund and the Marine Semper Fi Fund," Farrell said. "We also give direct financial support to a servicemembers requesting and showing immediate need."

Servicemembers in need of this type of assistance can apply directly through the fund's Web site or by contacting one of the two organizations to which it contributes.

In addition, the fund sends care packages to servicemembers serving in combat areas.

This all compliments the fund's original mission of providing firefighters with educational and financial support, Farrell said. Between the two groups it serves, the fund has awarded more than $350,000 since its inception in December 2001.

The fund has gained the backing of the Jim Beam bourbon company, which donates $1 for every case of product sold in New York and select surrounding states