[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING WARRANT OFFICERS CASEY FRANKOSKI AND JOHN GRASSIA

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the 
tragic loss of two soldiers of the National Guard who called our 
capital region in New York home.
  On March 8, 2024, Chief Warrant Officers 2 Casey Frankoski of 
Rensselaer and John Grassia of Rotterdam tragically perished in a 
helicopter accident in Texas. They deeply embodied a commitment of 
service to others.
  Chief Warrant Officer Frankoski was on the cusp of achieving a 
bachelor's degree in emergency management and was connected to many 
community organizations, including serving as a volunteer firefighter 
and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corps.
  Chief Warrant Officer Grassia served as a cybersecurity analyst with 
the New York State Department of Homeland Security and, most recently 
and proudly, as a New York State trooper.
  This week, these heroes were brought home and met with the honors and 
recognitions deserving of their incredible bravery and sacrifice. My 
heart goes out to the vast universe of family, friends, and loved ones 
left behind and shattered by this truly terrible loss. They have left 
us too soon but will forever be remembered and treasured by all who 
loved them. Their memories and their service will serve as a beacon for 
all in our capital region community and beyond.

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