Two New York State National Guard Soldiers Killed in Texas Helicopter crash

Two New York Army National Guard Soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John M. Grassia III, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Rio Grande City, Texas, while flying over the U.S.-Mexico border. The incident, which occurred on a Friday afternoon, also claimed the life of a Border Patrol agent and left another soldier injured. Frankoski, 28, from Rensselaer, and Grassia, 30, from Schenectady, had been serving in the National Guard since 2016 and 2012, respectively. Notably, Grassia was also a New York State Trooper, having joined the force in April 2022. Major General Ray Shields expressed shock and devastation at the loss, extending prayers for the injured crew chief’s recovery and condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, including the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent. Funeral arrangements for the fallen soldiers are pending, and the name of the injured soldier has not been disclosed due to privacy concerns.

Source: Rochester First