106th Air National Guard Members Killed In Iraq Helicopter Crash

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Four members of the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, including at least two from Long Island, were among 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.

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."

Family confirmed that Dashan Briggs, who served in the 106th Rescue Wing, was one of those killed in the 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."

Briggs, a Riverhead High School graduate who also played varsity football, lived in Port Jefferson Station with his wife and two young children.

The Commack Fire Department mourned one of those killed in the 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.

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.

"We are grateful to the Iraqi Security Forces for their immediate assistance in response to this tragic incident," Braga said. "Iraqi Security Forces continue to demonstrate their professionalism, capabilities and flexibility as we continue the fight towards a lasting defeat of Daesh."

Names of the fallen will be officially 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 said: "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.