The pain of losing his son to war has never gone away for Charlie Strange of Northeast Philadelphia.
"You can't function, it grips you so bad," he said. "You're ok for a few days. Then all of the sudden, Wham!"
His son SEAL Team 6 Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange and nearly 30 Navy SEALS died when their Chinook helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan during a rescue mission in 2011.
Charlie Strange looked for grief counseling in several places, but found many counselors could not relate.
Later he met other parents who with the same pain, and formed the Michael Strange Foundation in his son's honor.
"They died for our freedom so we can go to work, so we can go on vacation and there's nothing for the parents," he said.
His group kicked off its first retreat to the Malvern House with families coming in from all across the country.
They will share stories and pictures of their loved ones, while being greeted by specially trained counselors. Strange said this retreat will be the first of many.
"We've got to touch everybody's heart you know? Got to," Strange said.
To find out how to support the Michael Strange Foundation, follow the Seen On TV link below to their website.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Monday, May 13 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-13 17:53:44 GMT
Mother's Day just wasn't the same for Olga Ortiz of Newark, NJ. She said her daughter Melissa Rodriguez of Collingdale, would have spent the holiday weekend with family up there, but has not been seen
Police consider rebooting investigation of missing Delco mother as her mother marks Mother's Day without her.
Sunday, April 7 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-04-07 21:32:07 GMT
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:28 GMT
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:05 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:05:45 GMT
Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was involved in a serious car crash Wednesday morning in the Czech Republic.Voracek, 23, did not suffer any injuries, according to a brief statement issued by the Flyers general
Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was involved in a serious car crash Wednesday morning in the Czech Republic.Voracek, 23, did not suffer any injuries, according to a brief statement issued by the Flyers general
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:47:14 GMT
Police sources tell FOX 29 News a veteran Philadelphia narcotics officer has been taken into custody by the FBI and police in connection with a long-term undercover investigation.
Police sources tell FOX 29 News a veteran Philadelphia narcotics officer has been taken into custody by the FBI and police in connection with a long-term undercover investigation.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:41 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:41:42 GMT
A man being questioned by federal authorities in the Boston Marathon bombing probe was fatally shot in Florida when he initiated a violent confrontation, according to the FBI.
A man being questioned by federal authorities in the Boston Marathon bombing probe was fatally shot in Florida when he initiated a violent confrontation, according to the FBI.
