Thousands bid farewell to Long Island airman killed in Iraq crash

<p>Tens of thousands said their final farewell Saturday to Air National Guard Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso, of Commack, Long Island, who was on board a military helicopter that crashed in Iraq earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 31, 2018, 11:06 PM

Updated 2,226 days ago

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Tens of thousands said their final farewell Saturday to Air National Guard Master Sgt. Christopher Raguso, of Commack, Long Island, who was on board a military helicopter that crashed in Iraq earlier this month. 
Raguso, 39, was a decorated lieutenant in the FDNY, a volunteer with the Commack Fire Department and a member of the 106th Air Rescue Wing based out of Westhampton Beach.
He was one of four members of the 106th that were killed in the crash.
Raguso leaves behind his wife, Carmella, and two young daughters, ages 5 and 6.
American flags lined the property of St. Joseph's Church in Kings Park Saturday morning, and yellow ribbons were tied around poles all through town to honor the man who dedicated his life to serving others.
"I hope guys follow in his footsteps, in the way he acted, the way he treated people, the way he stepped forward," said Commack Fire District Commissioner Tom McFadzen. 
Raguso was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery.  


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