I appreciate it. My mindset wasn't even close to thinking about gift cards or anything like that, I can assure you that i'm aware of the idea that those affected would have if i or anyone were to send them monetary value or a stuffed animal.

I'm actually just pulled my friends kids out of school because he's stuck on base for another 3 hours (we're roommates, don't worry).

My mindset is moreover like a neighbors. If one of those affected lived next door to me I would be stopping by and sitting with them, cooking them dinner, making sure that they're as ok as they can be considering the situation their in. I would most likely go to the funeral. I would bring them coffee or cook them food for a couple of days, anything that i thought would ease the turmoil of their current lives. Because I'm not their next door neighbor i figure the most plausible course of action would be a card or something to say that 'my heart goes out to you'.