Remains of four 106th Rescue Wing Airmen returned to United States

GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY (03/19/2018) (readMedia)-- The remains of four members of the New York Air National Guard who died in a helicopter crash in Iraq on March 15 have been returned to the United States at Dover Air Force Base.

The remains of the four Airmen arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware early this morning.

Col. Michael Bank, the commander of the 106th Rescue Wing, and key members of the 106th Rescue Wing's leadership were present along with Air Force representatives. Members of the Airmen's families were also present.

Killed in the incident were:

• Capt. Christopher Zanetis, age 37, a resident of Long Island City, N.Y.

• Capt. Andreas O'Keeffe, age 37, a resident of Center Moriches, N.Y.

• Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso, age 39, a resident of Commack, N.Y.

• Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs, age 30, a resident of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.

Information on the return of the remains of the four Airmen back to New York and individual funeral arrangements is not yet available.

Photographs of the dignified transfer of remains of Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso and Capt. Christopher Zanetis can be found at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations website:http://www.mortuary.af.mil/

The families of Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs and Capt. Andrews O'Keeffe opted not to release the imagery of those transfers.