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Neighbors remember sailor who died in Navy helicopter crash

Posted at 12:09 AM, Jan 15, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-15 00:09:33-05

Greensboro, N.C. - It's been nearly a week since a Navy helicopter crashed off the Virginia Beach coast and the mourning continues for the lives lost.

In his hometown of Greensboro, NC, neighbors, friends and family are remembering Lt. Wesley Van Dorn.

“I just want them to know that we are all really proud of what their son has done and support them even if we don`t know them,” said one neighbor.

Last week, Navy Pilot Lt. Wes Van Dorn was killed when his helicopter went down near the Virgina coast, that`s where he lived with his wife and two little boys.

“I met his wife when she was pregnant with their second son and I just think about those two little babies,” commented another neighbor.

Wes` mom and dad live in Greensboro where 200 letters made the rounds.

Dale Hilliard is one of the Navy friends who decided to display the American flag or a patriotic ribbon to show support.

“No doubt they will need the support from neighbors and friends,” says Hillard.

He`s known the Van Dorn family for years and has two sons of his own in the Navy.

“On the one hand it’s because it was someone in the military you`ve lost, but on the other hand this is the closest hit we`ve had to home,” says Hillard.

Amy Heutel lives a few doors down from the Van Dorns.

“From what I know of past experiences, there`s not a whole you can do. There`s only so many casseroles you can make for a family,” says Heutel.

So when she got the letter, she did what she could do. She put out her flag just as the other neighbors had done.

To see more on the helo crash, click here to see our full coverage.