PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

CW2 Casey Frankowski

US Army National Guard
Global War on Terrorism Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 03/18/2024

***UPDATED 20 March 2024 - 17:45 hrs***
Important Staging Information has been
added to the Third and Fourth Stages
of this mission.  Please see updated
information below.

***UPDATED 18 March 2024 - 09:30 hrs***
Primary Staging Location has been established.
Please see updated information below.

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

Casey Frankoski, 28, tragically lost her life on March 8, 2024 in a helicopter accident while she was honorably serving our country.

She was born in Albany, NY and raised in East Greenbush, before moving to Rensselaer where she graduated from Columbia High School in 2013. 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. 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 graduating 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 United States - Mexico border on October 11, 2023. While proudly serving in the United States 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 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.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in Casey’s obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

03/18/2024 at 02:30pm

Staging Location:

New York National Guard Headquarters
330 Old Niskayuna Rd.
Latham, NY 12110
Click here for map

Click here for rider stage point

Parking single file along roadway, as indicated.
No cages in this escort, please.

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Bill Schaaf
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-542-0608

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 security restrictions, there will be no flag line at the Primary Staging location. Estimated flight arrival time of 3:30 pm. Due to anticipated congestion and security issues at this stage point, cagers are requested to pre-stage at the funeral home for the arrival of the cortege. Riders will escort to Lyons Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, NY 12144. Flag line at the funeral home for the dignified transfer.  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:

03/21/2024 at 11:15am

Second Location:

Parish of St. John The Evangelist Church
54 Herrick St.
Rensselaer, NY 12144

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

NOTE: Due to space restrictions and anticipated congestion, parking for this phase of the mission will be in the Amtrak Station Parking area, 1 block west of the church.   Click here for map.  Members will form a flag line during Visitation Hours, 12:00 pm - 5:00 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 Third Stage to this Mission?

yes

Third Staging Date and Staging Time:

03/22/2024 at 10:00am

Third Location:

Parish of St. John The Evangelist Church
54 Herrick St.
Rensselaer, NY 12144

UPDATED

All cagers should stage directly at Saratoga National Cemetery.
See updated staging instructions in Fourth Stage below.

All escort riders are to stage on East Street as shown on the attached map
Click here for map of staging location

Third Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Bill Schaaf
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-542-0608

Third Stage - Special Information:

NOTE: Due to space restrictions, parking for this phase of the mission will be in the Amtrak Station Parking area, 1 block west of the church. Click here for map  Members will form a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 am, followed by 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.

Is there a Fourth Stage to this Mission?

yes

Fourth Staging Date and Staging Time:

03/22/2024 at 01:30pm

Fourth Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Fourth Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Bill Schaaf
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-542-0608

Fourth Stage - Special Information:

Interment with full military honors scheduled for 2:30 pm. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines. 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.

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.