Capital District Times

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski of the New York Army National Guard lost her life on March 8, 2024, in a helicopter crash while patrolling the United States-Mexico border near La Grulla, Texas. Deployed to Texas in October 2023, she was part of the federal government’s border security mission.

Frankoski enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2016 and was appointed as a Warrant Officer in 2019. She trained to become a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in 2021. Her previous deployment included a tour in Kuwait from November 2018 to September 2019 with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment.

Her military awards included the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and both Basic Aviator and Basic Aviation Badges.

A graduate of Columbia High School and Schenectady County Community College with an Associate degree in Social Science, Frankoski excelled academically and athletically during her education.

Her service is remembered for its bravery and selflessness. "Tragically," noted a statement honoring her memory, "Chief Warrant Officer Frankoski’s brave service to our State and Nation resulted in her death – the ultimate sacrifice."