3-15-18...These servicemen gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country on March 15, 2018, when the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter they were aboard crashed in the Anbar Province in western Iraq, near the city of Qaim, where the U.S. military operates a logistics center and resupply hub.
The exact cause of the horrific crash that took the lives of these seven men is still under investigation, although initial reports claimed the helicopter hit a power line. It has been additionally reported that the helicopter crashed approximately 18 miles southeast of Qaim near a phosphate factory and railway station close to the base.
Amid the homage paid to these servicemen, four of whom were assigned to the Gabreski ANG Base in Riverhead, a pragmatic and practical response in the form of a fundraiser with benefits going directly to the families of the seven men is a community effort to show respect and remembrance to the challenges and efforts put forth by our military service members.
These are the names of the Jolly 51 Crew:
? Capt. Mark K. Weber, 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
? Capt. Andreas B. O'Keefe, 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, New York
? Capt. Christopher T. "Tripp" Zanetis, 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski ANG Base ..FDNY.
? Master Sgt. Christopher J. Raguso, 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski ANG Base .....FDNY.
? Staff Sgt. Dashan J. Briggs, 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski ANG Base
? Master Sgt. William R. Posch, 308th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, Patrick AFB, Florida
? Staff Sgt. Carl P. Enis, 308th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, Patrick AFB
CONTINUED REST IN PEACE BROTHERS...GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.