The AWS1 James Buriak Foundation

James Philip Buriak, USN, died 31 August 2021 in a Naval helicopter crash off the coast of San Diego. He served as a naval aircrewman rescue swimmer (AWS) with HSC-8. The legacy of a hero is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.

This foundation was created in the wake of Jimmy's death as a way to honor him and his memory but also keep his purpose alive - to help others. Jimmy served as a rescue swimmer whose motto is, “So others may live.” We’ve embraced this motto for the foundation and its purpose of being there everyday, but especially on your worst possible day, knowing that we are here to walk that journey with you. Our mission is to ensure the sacrifices of those in the aviation community are honored and those that are left behind are supported, empowered and continue to be part of the community.

We are an all-volunteer, military and military spouse organization dedicated to providing premishap education and immediate post-mishap support for the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation community and their families. We offer three programs.

• Program 1: Pre-Mishap Education: Pre-mishap education includes talking to squadrons, commands, and families about important “need to know” information and how to best prepare a service member and a family. We discuss POA’s, wills, commercial life insurance policies, etc.

• Program 3: 90 Day Road Map and Advocacy: The Foundation will provide families with information of what is needed, and an overall picture of what the first 90 days will look like. The Foundation also strives to provide support, information, resources, and advocacy as needed during these times.

Telephone: (619) 736-2364

Address: 2509 George Mason Drive #56455 Virginia Beach, VA 23456.

https://theaws1jamesburiakfoundation.org/