CW2 Casey Frankoski

April 11, 1995 - March 8, 2024

A Co, 1-224 AVN

Casey Frankoski made the ultimate sacrifice while conducting a mission when her UH-72 Lakota crashed near Rio Grande City, Texas on March 8th, 2024.

She was born in Albany, N.Y., on April 11, 1995, and raised in East Greenbush, before moving to Rensselaer. Casey is the beloved daughter of James and Jill (Nardacci) Frankoski. Known for her infectious smile, Casey lit up every room she entered. She was fun, determined, loving, and empathetic. Casey was genuine; she was a hero.

Casey was dedicated to serving the U.S. She enlisted in the Army National Guard in October 2016, was appointed Chief Warrant Officer in 2019, and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in 2021. Casey bravely trained to become a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot.

In November 2018, Casey was deployed to Kuwait, where she courageously served until September 2019, with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment as a Mission Planner. After returning home for a short time, Casey went to Alabama, first for Warrant Officer school, graduating in November 2019; and then for flight school, and graduated in July 2021. Casey was deployed again as a pilot to Texas with the Detachment 2, Company A, 1st Battalion, 224 Aviation Regiment to patrol the U.S. - Mexico border on October 11, 2023.

While proudly serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, Casey received many honors including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.

At home, Casey was previously a volunteer firefighter at the Best Luther Fire Department, a member of the Environmental Conservation Corp., and a current member of the American Legion Gerald O'Neil Post 1683.

Prior to enlisting in the Army, Casey graduated from Columbia High School in 2013. While at Columbia she was a member of the Varsity Bowling team. Casey continued her education at Schenectady County Community College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Social Science. Here, she was a member of the National Junior College Championship bowling team. At the time of her passing, Casey was in her final class to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management at Excelsior College.

Growing up, Casey was a Girl Scout for 13 years, and enjoyed attending Camp Little Notch, where her love for the outdoors began. Just recently, Casey toured South Texas Girl Scout Troop 1050 around the Army Hangar, and taught them about aviation and aeromechanics. She was a cheerleader for East Greenbush Pop Warner, played softball for the East Greenbush Girls Softball League, and was committed to a travel bowling league, where she practiced or competed five to six days each week. As a teen, Casey worked as a counselor at the East Greenbush Town Park Camp.

Casey had a great appreciation for the outdoors, and loved spending time fishing with her boyfriend, Anthony. Casey's life is marked with fond memories from growing up at Alpine Lake; she went to camp as often as she could. There, she enjoyed playing cornhole, spending time with her camp family, and, most of all, riding her jetski.
Having a strong desire for adventure led Casey to want to see the world. In addition to traveling with family and friends, she attended World Youth Day three times: in 2011 she traveled to Madrid, Spain, and saw Pope Benedict XVI; in 2013, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and saw Pope Francis; and in 2016 to Krakow, Poland, and saw Pope Francis for the second time. This past summer, Casey was fortunate to travel with her family to Alaska; she treasured this time spent together.

If Casey wasn't spending time with her loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or traveling, she was probably at a concert. Casey was a concert junkie! She loved country music, and one way or another, she always made her way to the V.I.P. area or the pit.

In addition to her parents, Casey is survived by her grandfather, Raymond Frankoski;
brothers, Jesse (Reigan) Frankoski and Tyler Trembly; and her sisters-in-law, Lindsey and Autumn.