Groveport restaurant raises money for families of 3 fallen Ohio Air National Guard members

GROVEPORT, Ohio — A Groveport restaurant is holding a fundraiser for the families of three Ohio Air National Guard members killed in a refueling crash in Iraq last month.

Little Italy Ristorante, a community staple since 1979, is donating 15% of all sales Tuesday and Wednesday to the families of Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons through the Rickenbacker Military Families Foundation.

The three airmen were killed in March and were all members of the 121st Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, located about four miles from the restaurant.

"We wanted to raise money for these families in honor of these airmen who sadly passed serving our country. I don't think we have a goal other than to raise as much as we possibly can," said Mike Dorsey, Little Italy's director of operations.

The restaurant, known for its subs, pizza and pasta, has long been a gathering spot for military personnel from the nearby base.

"You can't come in here and not see people in uniform. We've kind of become the place that they go to lunch," said owner Avery Ward.

That close relationship with the local military community made the decision to hold the fundraiser an easy one, Dorsey said.

"It was no doubt, no question that we had to do this," he said. "It's very important for us to support those who have been supporting us all those years."

Customers showed up to back the effort. Bob McLane, a 21-year Navy veteran, said he came to honor the fallen airmen and support their families.

"I know they've got to be going through a terrible time right now. And I just can't imagine that," McLane said.

Connie Ahlrichs drove from Kentucky to visit a friend and support the cause.

"I believe in supporting those who support our country and I feel like my life is what it is because of those who gave," Ahlrichs said.

Ward said the community connection that drives events like this is central to the restaurant's identity.

"Our community is our lifeline," he said.

The fundraiser runs through 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Customers can also make direct donations or round up their bills through the end of April.