Suffolk Reporter

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) delivered a heartfelt speech on the House floor to pay tribute to the heroes of the Jolly 51, specifically mentioning Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso of Huntington and Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs of Riverhead, who were part of the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach.

LaLota expressed his determination to secure posthumous Purple Heart awards for the fallen heroes of Jolly 51, stating, "It is imperative that we honor and memorialize their bravery." He further emphasized his commitment by saying, "Awarding each of these seven courageous men the Purple Heart is the least we can do to honor their sacrifice and preserve their legacy."

The tragic incident involving Jolly 51 occurred on March 15th, 2018, in western Iraq, resulting in the loss of all seven service members on board. The crew, which included individuals like Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso and Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs, was engaged in a routine troop transport mission at the time of the crash.

Master Sgt. Raguso, Staff Sgt. Briggs, and their fellow crew members, Capt. Mark Weber, Capt. Andreas O’Keefe, Capt. Christopher Zanetis, Master Sgt. William Posch, and Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, demonstrated unwavering commitment to their duty.

The Jolly 51 crew members were stationed at the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach, NY, and their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. Rep. LaLota's efforts to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve reflect a deep sense of gratitude towards these fallen heroes.