A community is rallying to support the family of late war veteran and congressional candidate Kyle Van De Water.

Kyle Van De Water's life was dedicated to serving his country.

Before running for Congress in 2020, he served in the Army, which included a tour in Afghanistan. His family says he was never quite the same when he came home, an issue many veterans battle.

Kyle died last week at 41 years old from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Town of Poughkeepsie police.

After losing a husband and father, the Van De Water family is getting help when they need it most.

"The way this community has… this is making me emotional.. Has rallied around Melissa is truly… like we didn't expect that by any means. We are beyond grateful," says sister-in-law Lesley Frederick.

Since Lesley Frederick started a GoFundMe campaign a few days ago, it has surpassed its goal nearly threefold on top of people ready to feed the family through early October.

If you aren't able to donate, Frederick asks for prayers so Melissa can move forward and take care of her kids best she can as a single mom.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.