Press Release
☷New York National Guard Brings Fallen Warrant Officers Home
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Mar 20,2024
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The New York National Guard recently brought back the bodies of two helicopter pilots who tragically died in a crash in Texas . The caskets of Chief Warrant Officers Casey Frankoski and John M . Grassia III were flown to Albany International Airport on an LC - 130 Hercules aircraft . A large group of family members , friends , and local leaders were there to receive them . The bodies were then taken to funeral homes in Glenville and Rensselaer , with residents lining the streets to pay their respects . Col . Jason Lefton expressed his sadness over the loss of the two pilots and reassured that they are taking care of their families and fellow soldiers during this difficult time . The pilots were on a mission for the Border Patrol when the crash occurred , resulting in the deaths of two other individuals and serious injuries to another . They were part of a detachment mobilized to support the Border Patrol and were based in Latham . The decision to bring their remains back together on a New York Air National Guard aircraft was made by the adjutant general of New York , and the mission was successfully completed with the help of Army and Air Force officials . First Class Charles Gabriel , the NCOIC of New York ' s Honor Guard force , oversaw the transfer of the remains of Frankoski and Grassia from San Antonio to New York . The families and friends of the fallen soldiers arrived in charter buses and were housed in a hangar due to the cold weather . The procession was led by Rensselaer police and New York State Police vehicles . The families and dignitaries lined up to receive the caskets as the aircraft landed . The Honor Guard team carried the flag - covered caskets into the hearses while military personnel saluted . Governor Hochul greeted the Airmen and Soldiers involved in the mission . The procession continued to the burial site at the Saratoga National Cemetery for both soldiers .
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