GoFundMe Created After Loss Of Hero Airman In Iraq Copter Crash
Apr 9, 2018Andreas O'Keeffe of Center Moriches."On March 15, 2018 . . . Capt. Andreas O'Keeffe was serving as the co-pilot on Jolly 51 and HH-60 combat search and rescue helicopter, which crashed while performing patrol duties along the Iraq-Syria border," the page, "In Memory of Capt. Andreas O'Keeffe," said. To donate, click here. "'Andy,' as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was a decorated patriot and a true American hero, having deployed to Iraq three times as well as Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Texas in support of flood victims during Hurricane Harvey," the page said.Capt. O'Keeffe is survived by his loving parents Maryann and Shan O'Keeffe of Florida, as well as a sister Bernadette and a brother Shan — a hero in his own right who serves as an F-16 pilot with the United States Air Force, the page said."In addition, Capt. O'Keeffe leaves behind a grieving and heartbroken Allison Denniston of Center Moriches, NY," the page said. "Andy and his longtime girlfriend Allison shared a home together for several years. Because of their circumstance, Allison is not entitled to any of the benefits shared by his deserving comrades who perished alongside him. The effect on Allison, however, has been no less debilitating and she is grief-stricken at the sudden loss of Andy.We can never replace the love and companionship that Allison and Andy shared in their Center Moriches home, but perhaps we can ease the burden of the sudden financial loss that she will endure."All donations will go directly to Denniston, to help her rebuild her life and alleviate some of the financial stress of her unthinkable loss, the page said.In addition, a funeral mass for Major Andreas O'Keeffe will be held on Friday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church, located at 8220 W. Hillsborough Ave, in Tampa, FL 33615. The church will be open at 10 a.m. for a brief period to stand or kneel and say good-bye next to Andreas' casket.There will be a reception to follow mass at Mary Ann and Shán's home for all friends and family.For those who wish to send flowers, the ch... (Patch.com)
