In a devastating incident along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, two Army National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The crash involved a UH-72 Lakota helicopter and occurred near Rio Grande City in Starr County during federal border security operations.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski (28) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia (30), both from New York, were among the victims. Another National Guard soldier, an aircraft crew chief, survived but is in critical condition. The crash’s cause is under investigation.
The New York National Guard, mourning the loss, refrained from releasing the injured crew chief’s name for privacy reasons. Maj. Gen. Ray Shields expressed shock and devastation, extending condolences to the victims’ families and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent, Chris Luna, who also perished in the crash.
Luna, survived by his wife and two children, parents, and brother, received heartfelt tributes from Customs and Border Protection acting commissioner Troy Miller.
President Biden conveyed his condolences, emphasizing solidarity with service members and border agents. Gen. Daniel Hokanson of the National Guard Bureau lamented the tragic loss of X, expressing prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured soldier.
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This incident follows a January helicopter crash along the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by those involved in border security operations.
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