Funds pour in to honor fallen American soldier in Lithuania
The family and friends of the late Dante Taitano are seeking assistance to raise funds for travel from the U.S. to Lithuania to attend his funeral. The American soldier was killed during military exercises at a training ground there. Sadly, the 21-year-old had five siblings, but the army provides transportation to Europe for only three family members.
Four American soldiers died during military maneuvers in Lithuania, at the Pabradė training ground. On March 25, under unexplained circumstances, they drove an armoured vehicle into a bog and died on the spot. Among them was 21-year-old Dante Taitano.
The funeral ceremonies will soon begin in Europe, after which Dante Taitano's body will be transported to the United States. The U.S. Army provides flights and accommodation for three family members of the deceased. However, the 21-year-old had five siblings, and each of them wishes to say goodbye to their brother.
Friends of the deceased soldier's family have therefore set up a fundraiser on gofundme.com. The money collected is meant for all expenses associated with the travel of Dante Taitano's siblings to Europe.
We are raising funds for expenses, travel costs, and other unexpected financial burdens during this time. Your contributions will also help honor Dante's memory and ensure his service is never forgotten. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference to his loved ones. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to spread awareness and support, explain the organizers of the fundraiser.
The response has been overwhelming. Approximately $22,000 (about 31,000 CAD) is needed for flights and accommodation for the five siblings of the deceased soldier. Within a few hours from the start of the fundraiser, 80% of the needed amount (nearly $18,000; 25,500 CAD) has already been collected. It is very likely that the whole family will be able to travel to Europe to bid farewell to their brother.
