COLUMBUS, Ohio — A central Ohio community is turning grief into action following the deaths of three Ohio airmen. 

It’s been more than 10 days since Captain Curtis Angst, Captain Seth Koval and Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons died after their refueling jet crashed in Iraq. 

What You Need To Know

 A central  Ohio organization  is raising funds for the three fallen Ohio airmen killed in Iraq

 The airmen died after their refueling jet crashed

Rickenbacker Military Families has raised $15,000 for the families of the fallen so far

As the community and the country continue to mourn the loss of three Ohio airmen who died serving their country, a central Ohio organization is helping ease some of that pain.

“Shock and disbelief and then it just immediately went to heartbreak, we just have never had to cope with this kind of an impact to our unit before, so the first question we started asking each other is what can we do to help,” said Michael Reed, secretary of Rickenbacker Military Families.

Rickenbacker Military Families decided to help with a memorial fund, mobilizing to raise money and collect donations for the families of the fallen. 

The organization frequently provides financial support and other resources to service members and their families in need. 

The group comprises retired service members, like Michael Reed, who’s a veteran of the 121st air refueling wing, the same wing that Captain Curtis Angst, Captain Seth Koval and Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons were serving for when they were killed.

“Once you join that unit, you’re always a part of that family, so we’re all focused on helping each other,” said Reed.

The group has already raised more than 15 thousand dollars for the families over the past week and a half, which is about how much they typically raise over an entire year through fundraising efforts. They say they’re grateful for the community support and hope it’s felt by the airmen’s families.

“We know we can’t replace anything, but at least they know that people are out there and care and are willing to help out in some way,” said Reed.

The airmen’s remains returned to U.S. soil with a dignified transfer held at Dover Air Force Base last week.

Funeral services for the airmen have not been announced.