The two troops were from upstate New York.
The chopper crashed Friday while performing an operation near the US-Mexico border, killing Casey Frankoski, 28, of Rensselaer, and John Grassia, 30, of Schenectady.
Grassia’s family told CBS New York’s Lori Bordonaro via email that they are distraught and that he began talking about serving his country as a pilot when he was 7 years old. The family went on to explain that he joined the National Guard shortly after turning 18, inspired by the events of 9/11 and his grandfathers, both of whom served in the military.
They claimed he cherished his family, friends, and German shepherd Arlo, as well as boating and dirt biking.
Grassia was a New York State trooper with a strong desire to protect and serve his community.
Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna was also killed in the crash. The helicopter crashed in Texas while carrying out the federal government’s border security job.
A New York National Guardsman was also hurt.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement saying, “I join the members of our National Guard and state police, as well as the whole state of New York, in mourning this awful loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those deceased.”
Grassia’s family stated that they are mourning both their loss and the loss of Frankoski.
The cause of the helicopter crash is still being investigated.