UPDATE 1/5/24: Eric's Mom wanted to send a message to all of you.  "I wanted to say how much I appreciate all of your support.  They have not found Eric yet and we will never forget him. All of your donations of time, money, and emotional support have really touched my heart.  May God bless you for helping our family at this difficult time." 

Major Eric Velazquez Spendlove, US Air Force, DO, FS Special Operations Physician in the 353rd Special Operations Wing was killed on active duty on November 29, 2023 leaving behind his wife Chelsea and four young children.  Eric was on a routine training mission flying on an Osprey CV-22 with his crew when the plane experienced mechanical issues and one of the engines caught fire. The plane subsequently crashed into the ocean just off the coast of Japan.  There were eight crew members aboard. They have found seven of the bodies with Eric still missing.

Eric's mother and father flew to Japan as fast as arrangements could be made to help support Chelsea and the kids.  Not only was it hard learning that their son was in a plane crash but not knowing if he had survived and then finding out he died several days later made it even harder. 

Because Chelsea lives on base in Japan, it is going to be a big undertaking to get her and the kids back home to St. George. We are anticipating that she will live with me and Monica (Eric's sister) until she can get her bearings. The military will cover much of the expense of moving, but there will be quite a bit involved outside of that. 

We are asking that you donate to help cover costs for anything the family may need.

Let this paragraph serve as a legal, binding notice that all funds raised (minus GiveSendGo fees) will go directly to Chelsea Spendlove and her children.