Gov. Robert McDonnell has named Friday as a day of mourning for 30 servicemen who were killed when their helicopter went down in eastern Afghanistan last weekend. Many of the victims are reported to be Navy SEALs with ties to Virginia.

The human impact of the loss of these servicemen upon their families, their units, and the Virginia military community are profound,” McDonnell said.

The governor called upon citizens who wish to show their support through monetary donations to organizations such as the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides support and financial assistance above what the U.S. Department of Defense provides, particularly immediate financial support and tragedy assistance to families. Virginians can text SEAL to 90999 to donate $10 or go to the organization’s website, www.navysealfoundation.org, to make a donation.