Peyton Manning starts 'Chattanooga Heroes Fund'

NFL quarterback Peyton Manning has created a fund for the families of the victims of the Chattanooga shootings, a spokesman for the Denver Broncos said Thursday.

Proceeds of the benefits from the Chattanooga Heroes Fund will go to the families of five U.S. servicemen killed July 16 during a mass shooting at two military facilities in Chattanooga, Patrick Smyth, VP of Public Relations for the Denver Broncos confirmed.

"Our family has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the great city of Chattanooga, and it has a very special place in our hearts," Manning said. "But on July 16th, 2015, this strong, welcoming community was forever changed by the tragedy that unfolded.

"The five servicemen who gave their lives, the police officer who risked his life in order to protect others, and the actions of many other first responders were truly heroic. We are proud to establish the Chattanooga Heroes Fund to honor these heroes by helping to provide for the future of their families."

Authorities say Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, 24, opened fire first on a military recruiting station in a strip mall on Lee Highway and then drove seven miles to a U.S. Navy facility on Amnicola Highway. He was later killed in a shootout with police.

The fallen were: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan of Hampden, Mass.; Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist of Polk County, Wis.; Lance Cpl. Squire "Skip" K. Wells of Cobb, Ga.; Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt of Burke, N.C.; and Randall Smith, a sailor from Rossville, Ga., who died two days after the shooting.

Donations to the fund can be made over the phone by calling 423-265-0586 or online at CFGC.org.

Checks payable to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga with "Chattanooga Heroes Fund" in the memo line may also be mailed to: Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga; Attn: Chattanooga Heroes Fund, 1270 Market St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 37402.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at 615-259-8072. Follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.