New York Air National Guardsmen honored for sacrifice in Afghanistan

Two Air National Guardsmen, including one that was a Bronx police officer, were honored Saturday for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.   Tech Sergeant Joseph Lemm, who was also an NYPD

News 12 Staff

Jun 5, 2016, 5:46 AM

Updated 2,875 days ago

Share:

New York Air National Guardsmen honored for sacrifice in Afghanistan
Two Air National Guardsmen, including one that was a Bronx police officer, were honored Saturday for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

 

Tech Sergeant Joseph Lemm, who was also an NYPD detective, and Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa were posthumously awarded various commendations, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with valor.

 

Commander Keith Givens says the "valor" added to their Bronze Star means that the men were heroic in their final moments.

 

"Their children are still very young and we want to make sure they know their fathers were heroes," says Givens.

 

Less than six months ago, both men, along with four others, were killed in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber. Lemm and Bonacasa shielded their fellow airmen from the brunt of the blast.

 

The awards were presented to their families at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, along with friends and fellow airmen.
 


More from News 12
2:25
CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

CT partnering with other states to regulate artificial intelligence

2:12
Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

Rain is on the way for tonight and early Saturday, warmer temps on the way

1:50
FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

1:14
Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

0:29
Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

0:21
Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

0:29
Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

2:05
Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures