Family's urgent appeal raises $18,000 (€16,500) for soldier's farewell
The family and friends of the late Dante Taitano are appealing for help to raise funds for a flight from the US to Lithuania to attend the funeral services. The American soldier was killed during military manoeuvres at a training ground there. Unfortunately, the 21-year-old had five siblings, and the army provides transportation to Europe for only three family members.
Four American soldiers died during military exercises in Lithuania, at the Pabradė training ground. On 25 March, under unexplained circumstances, they drove an armoured vehicle into a bog and died on the spot. Among them was 21-year-old Dante Taitano.
Funeral ceremonies will soon begin in Europe, after which Dante Taitano's body will be transported to the United States. The US Army provides flights and accommodation for three family members of the deceased. However, the 21-year-old had five siblings, and each of them would like 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 from it is intended for all the 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, the organisers of the fundraiser explain.
The effect is stunning. Approximately $22,000 (about €20,000) is needed for flights and accommodation for the five siblings of the deceased soldier. In a few hours from the start of the fundraiser, 80% of the needed amount (almost $18,000 or about €16,500) 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.
