Honor Mission
CW2 John M. Grassia III
US Army National Guard
Global War on Terrorism Veteran
New York State Trooper
Multi-City, NY - 03/25/2024
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
John M. Grassia III, 30 tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident on 8 March 2024 while serving his country.
John Michael Grassia III, known as J. Michael or J, was a beacon of courage and a testament to the selfless spirit that defines true heroism. Born on December 6, 1993, in Niskayuna, New York, J's journey in this world was marked by an unwavering commitment to service and adventure. On March 8, 2024, J's story reached its valiant conclusion as he died doing what he loved most: flying and protecting those he loved.
John’s passion for serving his nation was evident early on. When he turned 18, he immediately enlisted in the Army National Guard before his graduation from Schalmont High School in 2012. J attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training in 2013 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Upon completion, he was awarded the MOS 15T - UH-60 Helicopter Repairer. From 2013 to 2014, he served in Kuwait.
In 2018, John was selected for Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Novosel (Rucker), AL. In 2020, he attended the UH—60M aviation qualification course and Warrant Officer Basic Course at Fort Novosel, AL, and later, in 2023, he excelled in advanced courses. As a Chief Warrant Officer 2 and UH-60M Pilot, he embodied the word determination. CW2 Grassia's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal 3rd award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement 3rd Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device 2nd award Basic Aviator Badge, and Basic Aviation Badge.
In 2022, he proudly became a New York State Trooper. He was stationed at Troop K SO Livingston and later transferred to Fonda, New York. His devotion to helping and protecting others was evident to all who knew him. He was a true American hero.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in John's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/25/2024 at 01:15pm
Staging Location:
St. John the Evangelist Church
806 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12308
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
Due to anticipated very heavy LEO and military presence, parking for this phase of the mission will be limited to street parking, as available. Members will form a flag line during Visitation Hours, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Please attend as you are able. This is expected to be a very high profile event. Please be aware of your surroundings and refer all media requests for comment to State Captain Bill Schaaf.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/26/2024 at 10:15am
Second Location:
St. John the Evangelist Church
806 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12308
Click for map of rider staging area
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Second Stage - Special Information:
It is anticipated that there will be very heavy security with LEO and military presence. Upon completion of service, riders will escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with full military honors. This is expected to be a very high profile event. Please be aware of your surroundings and refer all media requests for comment to State Captain Bill Schaaf.
Special Note: Due to anticipated congestion issues, this phase of the mission is limited to riders only. Cagers wishing to attend the mission should stage directly at the cemetery at the time indicated. Riders please follow LEO direction to the staging area as indicated on the map Click here for map of rider staging area
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
yes
Third Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/26/2024 at 12:30pm
Third Location:
Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Click here for map of staging area
Third Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Third Stage - Special Information:
Due to an anticipated very heavy LEO and military presence, parking for this phase of the mission is limited to the area shown on the attached map. This applies to all riders and cagers. There is to be no parking on any other roadways or areas within the cemetery. Click here for map of staging area This is expected to be a very high profile event. Please be aware of your surroundings and refer all media requests for comment to State Captain Bill Schaaf.
Is there a Fourth Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
03/21; MER
