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NEW YORK — Two National Guard soldiers and a border patrol agent killed in a Texas helicopter crash late last week have been identified.

The two soldiers were both from upstate New York.

The helicopter went down Friday while conducting an operation near the U.S.-Mexico border, killing 28-year-old Casey Frankoski of Rensselaer and 30-year-old John Grassia of Schenectady.

Grassia’s family told CBS New York’s Lori Bordonaro by email they are devastated and said he started talking about serving his country as a pilot when he was just 7 years old. The family went on to say he joined the National Guard just after his 18th birthday, inspired by the events of 9/11 and by his grandfathers, who both served in the military.

They said he loved his family, friends, and German shepherd Arlo, as well as boating and riding dirt bikes.

Grassia was passionate about protecting and serving his community, and was also a New York State trooper.

Also killed in the crash was border patrol agent Chris Luna. The helicopter went down in Texas while assigned to the federal governments border security mission.

A New York National Guard soldier was also injured.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said in statement, “I join the members of our National Guard and state police, and the entire state of New York, in mourning this tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those killed.”

Grassia’s family said, while they are mourning their loss, they are also mourning the loss of Frankoski. CBS New York not able to reach her family.

The cause of the helicopter crash is still under investigation.
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In: New York State Police Helicopter Crash Texas National Guard of the United States Military Helicopter

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