Riverhead High Grad 1 Of 7 Killed In Military Copter Crash

RIVERHEAD, NY — Hearts are broken in Riverhead as family and friends remember a member of the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, who, along with three others, including a firefighter from Long Island, was among the seven killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq Thursday, according to sources.

According to 27east.com, four of the deceased were from the 106th ANG, which is based in Westhampton Beach.

Family confirmed on Facebook that Dashan Briggs of Riverhead, who served in the United States Air Force, was one of those killed in the tragic crash. "R.I.P.," wrote Brianna Thompson on social media. "My cousin was the best and I'm so proud of your accomplishments. Dashan Briggs, I'm so torn apart. You were such an amazing man all around. . . My heart goes out to his wife and two kids. I'm at a loss for words right now. #nationalAirForceStrong."

Others echoed their sorrow and grief. "My heart aches for Dashan Briggs and his family. He was always like a big brother to me," wrote one friend on Facebook. "He was a beautiful and genuine person inside and out and gave his life for his country. I am truly at a loss of words. Rest in peace, brother."

She told Patch that she met him when she was 15. "He was my partner in my brother's wedding this past summer, which is when I saw him last," she said. Having also served in the Army, she said she left the military in 2016. "We could talk about anything because we knew each other before and after we became soldiers," she said. "He was an amazing person, brother, husband and father and the entire community will feel his loss."

Briggs was a Riverhead High School graduate, Class of 2006, who also played varsity football.

And, said another high school friend, "#14 Dashan Briggs will live in our hearts forever."

A HH-60 Pave Hawk crashed after striking a power line, ABC News reported; the assessment was made by the crew of a U.S. helicopter accompanying the HH-60.
A release from the press office of CJTF-Operation Inherent Resolve, at approximately 6:45 p.m. GMT a U.S. HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in western Iraq.

The crash does not appear to be a result of enemy activity, the release said. The incident remains under investigation.

"All personnel aboard were killed in the crash," said Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, director of operations, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. "This tragedy reminds us of the risks our men and women face every day in service of our nations. We are thinking of the loved ones of these service members today."

The Commack Fire Department mourned one of those killed in the horrific crash on Facebook: "Last night the Commack Fire Department and this great nation of ours lost a great American Patriot, friend and brother," a post on the page said.

"Christopher Raguso, a New York Air National Guard Flight Engineer, died while protecting our freedom when his helicopter crashed in Iraq killing all seven on board."

Raguso, the Commack Fire Department said, was a lieutenant in Company 4 and for the FDNY. "Chris was always there to help anyone with anything, he would never say no," the post said.

A second FDNY member Fire Marshal Christopher T. “Tripp” Zanetis of the Bureau of Fire Investigation, also died in the crash, according to the New York City Fire Department.

"It is with deep regret that FDNY announces the deaths of Lieutenant Christopher J. Raguso of Division 13 in Queens and Fire Marshal Christopher T. 'Tripp' Zanetis of the Bureau of Fire Investigation," the FDNY wrote on Facebook. Lt. Raguso is a 13-year veteran of the Department; Fire Marshal Zanetis is a 10-year veteran, the FDNY's Facebook post said.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio added, “They are truly two of New York City’s bravest — running into danger to protect and defend others, both in New York City and in combat overseas. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and fellow service members and FDNY members.”

Lt. Raguso was appointed as a firefighter in March of 2005 and assigned to Ladder Company 113 in Flatbush, Brooklyn. In September, 2016, he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Battalion 50 in Queens. On six different occasions he was cited for bravery and life-saving actions as an individual firefighter or as part of a unit, the FDNY post said.

Fire Marshal Zanetis was appointed firefighter in September, 2004 and assigned to Engine Company 28 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the post said. In 2007 he transferred to Ladder Company 11, located in the same firehouse. In April, 2013, he was promoted to fire marshal and assigned to the Bureau of Fire Investigation’s Citywide South in Brooklyn. In 2014, he was recognized for his bravery as part of an investigative unit, the post said.

An accompanying U.S. helicopter immediately reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition members secured the scene, the release said.

Names of the fallen will be released by the U.S. Department of Defense after next of kin have been notified.

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to the fallen in a tweet: "Their sacrifice in service to our country will never be forgotten," he said.

Rep. Lee Zeldin also offered his sympathy after the tragedy: "While I cannot get into further details yet due to the process of notifying next of kin, I just want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the great American heroes lost in yesterday's helicopter crash on the Iraq-Syria border. These lives represented the best of the best of our proud nation."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone also expressed his sorrow: "I am heartbroken to learn of reports that seven service members lost their lives last night in a tragic helicopter crash in Iraq," he said. "At least one of these heroes served in the New York Air National Guard, 106th Rescue Wing in Suffolk County. The service members in this unit selflessly deploy around the world to provide combat search and rescue coverage for United States and allied forces."

He added that the tragedy serves as a "stark reminder of the sacrifices our heroes in uniform face every day" and offered his sincere condolences.

Patch file photo.