Hero Gabreski Airmen Who Died In Iraq Deserve Purple Hearts: LaLota

WESTHAMPTON, NY — Rep. Nick LaLota is fighting to secure Purple Heart medals for the seven airmen — including four who were assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach — killed in a 2018 helicopter crash in Iraq.

LaLota spoke on the floor of the House recently to honor the heroes of what was known as the "Jolly 51", including Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso of Huntington, Tech Sgt. Dashan Briggs of Riverhead, Capt. Andreas O’Keefe of Center Moriches, and Capt. Christopher Zanetis, of Long Island City; seven airmen died in total.

LaLota said he would do everything in his power to ensure the heroes of Jolly 51 were posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, one of the military's highest honors.

"For far too long, the valiant men of the Jolly 51 have been unjustly denied the recognition they rightfully deserve. Despite prior attempts, the Air Force has yet to award them the Purple Hearts they earned through their ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It is imperative that we honor and memorialize their bravery," LaLota said.

He added: "Having had the honor of speaking at a memorial service in Westhampton Beach commemorating the sixth anniversary of the tragic crash, I am reaffirming my dedication to the families of the Jolly 51 crew. I pledge to exert every effort within my capacity to ensure they are posthumously granted the Purple Hearts they earned. Their unwavering commitment to defending the United States against its enemies merits this recognition. Awarding each of these seven courageous men the Purple Heart is the least we can do to honor their sacrifice and preserve their legacy."

Jolly 51, the congressman said, was the call sign of a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter that crashed on March 15, 2018 in western Iraq near the Syrian border. The crash resulted in the deaths of all seven service members aboard, making it one of the deadliest incidents involving U.S. military aircraft in recent years. The helicopter was reportedly conducting a routine troop transport mission at the time of the crash.

The crew was also comprised of Capt. Mark Weber, Master Sgt. William Posch, and Staff Sgt. Carl Enis.

"It is with great sadness that I report the loss of four of our wing members," said Col. Michael Bank, the commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, after the crash.

"All four of these heroes served their nation and community. Our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the families and friends that have been touched by this tragic event," Bank added.

"Our National Guard family mourns the loss of the seven combat search and rescue Airmen in the HH-60 crash, including four members from the 106th Rescue Wing," said Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York. "This loss reminds us of the tremendous risks we take in serving our nation every day."

"We honor their service, their professionalism, and their sacrifice as we mourn their loss," German added.

On the East End, the community mourned the loss of Briggs: A 2007 graduate of Riverhead High School, Tech Sgt. Briggs grew up on Lewis Street with his grandparents. In 2010, Tech. Sgt. Briggs joined the Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing and was deployed to Afghanistan as a munitions system specialist.

The school where he left a long legacy retired Briggs' football jersey; while attending Riverhead High School, he was a standout football player and member of the lacrosse team, the district said.

At his funeral, inside the firehouse in Westhampton Beach, it was standing room only: Briggs' coffin was draped with an American flag; a beautiful American flag created with red, white and blue flowers also stood alongside, a testament to his patriotism, devotion and dedication.Another spray of flowers featured the heartfelt words, "These things we do, that others may live."