PITTSFIELD, Mass. - U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jacob M. Galliher’s family is expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from friends, community members and the nation at large.

Galliher, 24, was identified as one of the eight crew members flying an Osprey V-22 which crashed during a training mission off the coast of southern Japan on Wednesday.

The Pittsfield native leaves behind a "devasted family, including his beloved wife Ivy, two young sons aged 2 years and 7 weeks old, a loving family and countless friends, all of whom are grappling with this profound loss," his family said in a statement.

“He’s a great kid," said Paul Smachetti, a former teacher of Galliher's. "You know, just the fact that he would decide to go into the service for his country, you know, it shows what kind of kid he is; was.”

Smachetti is now joining the community in supporting the Galliher’s family following the tragedy earlier this week.

“Just wanted to leave something," Smachetti said. "I saw that there was a thing for the family and I thought I’d just leave something for him.”

Galliher enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school in 2017. In a statement from Taconic High, “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we learned of the passing of one of our beloved former students, Jacob Galliher, in a tragic military accident. Jake was a dedicated and exceptional individual who touched the lives of many with his kindness and compassion.”