The loss of three airmen in Thursday's helicopter crash has hit their home base hard, but the community is rallying around the families of the victims and survivors.
"It's a true family concept," said Lt.-Col. Tom Hughes, commander of 413 Search and Rescue Squadron, based in Greenwood.
Sgt. Dwayne Brazil, Master Cpl. Kirk Noel, and Cpl. Trevor McDavid died when their Cormorant helicopter crashed off Canso overnight during a routine training exercise.
Capt. Ron Bush, Sgt. Marty Maloney, Capt. Gabriel Ringuette and Maj. Gordon Ireland were injured.
Hughes said members of the military were reaching out to the families of the crew members, offering everything from drives to babysitting.
"We're getting calls from units in Halifax if we need additional support from the padres we use," he said.
Padre Harold King, who works at 14 Wing Greenwood, said family members of the fallen airmen are in shock.
"It's going to take a huge amount of time for the enormity of the situation to sink in," he said.
Members of the squadron have been told to deal with the news as they see fit, King added, and some have chosen to return to their homes.
