TTAG writer Capt. John Raguso sends this sad news about his son:

On March 15, 2018, MSGT Christopher J. Raguso of the USAF, who was also a Lieutenant with FDNY and Commack FD, was killed in action in the western desert of Iraq during a mission serving his county in Operation Inherent Resolve, the war against ISIS.

In lieu of flowers, please send any tax deductible charitable donations to either of the following two charities in his name to help his family during this time of crisis and need:

FDNYFoundation (use drop-down menu box for children of Lt. Christopher J. Raguso)

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (for Christopher Raguso)

Chris was the ultimate first responder for the USAF, FDNY and Commack FD and gave it all to protect our way of life and to be there when others needed him most. Please keep his family in your prayers. Thanks for your support.

Please consider making a donation to support the family of a fallen hero.

 

 

 

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31 COMMENTS

  4. Dad always said the military was a lot of fun until the enemy shot back; then all the fun was gone. No more fun.

  7. Do not stand at my grave and weep
    I am not there. I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
    I am the gentle autumn rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft stars that shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry;
    I am not there. I did not die.

    Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep – By Mary Elizabeth Frye

    GODSPEED Master Sergeant Raguso… See you on the other side!!!

  8. RIP and long live his legacy. Sounds like every bit a man we should all strive to emulate.

  21. MSGT Raguso, I salute you and will see you in heaven Sir! God Bless you for your sacrifice. RIP Brother. Capt. Raguso, thank you for the MAN you raised, we can never have enough like him. Prayers for you and Family for your loss.

  23. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
    Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
    At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
    We will remember them.

  26. There were six other brave combat rescuemen on that pavehawk that went down. I had the privilege of serving with a young SSgt Raguso, as well as two others killed on this flight. Let us remember them all for thier sacrifice.

    From the AF website
    “At approximately 6:45 p.m. GMT March 15, 2018, an Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in western Iraq. The crash does not appear to be a result of enemy activity. This incident is under investigation.

    The seven Airmen aboard the helicopter were lost in the crash: Capt. Mark K. Weber, 29, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Capt. Andreas B. O’Keeffe, 37, of Center Moriches, New York; Capt. Christopher T. Zanetis, 37, of Long Island City, New York; Master Sgt. Christopher J. Raguso, 39, of Commack, New York; Master Sgt. William Posch, 36, of Indialanic, Florida; Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, 31, of Tallahassee, Florida; Staff Sgt. Dashan J. Briggs, 30, of Port Jefferson Station, New York.

    “I send my sincere condolences to the families, loved ones and service members who served beside the Airmen who were lost in this tragic accident. My prayers are with all those affected as we honor their lives and service together,” said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson in a statement on Twitter.

    An accompanying U.S. helicopter immediately reported the crash and a quick reaction force comprised of Iraqi Security Forces and coalition members secured the scene.

    “Our hearts go out to the families and squadron teammates of our fallen,” said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein. “The motto of the rescue community is, ‘these things we do that others may live.’ I am alive today and serving as CSAF because of them.”

    “We are grateful to the Iraqi Security Forces for their immediate assistance in response to this tragic incident,” said Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve director of operations. “Iraqi Security Forces continue to demonstrate their professionalism, capabilities and flexibility as we continue the fight towards a lasting defeat of (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).”

    These things we do that others may live

  28. Rest In Peace Brother, I will miss you.

    Capt Raguso, I was lucky enough to get to spend time with your son during SERE training in Spokane, Washington. He was an awesome person and leader to whom I have looked up to throughout my career. I will never forget the impact he had on me as a young Airman and I hope that I will be able to serve as well as he. Thank you for raising such a wonderful person, my life would not be the same without his mentorship. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.

    – Little Squeaker

  29. its appalling that we still have people over there for no fucking reason. i can not imagine how i would feel if that was my son. proud of him but utterly disgusted by our leaders.

  30. Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends. He is asleep in death. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead will Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

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