Efforts underway to support family of LI man killed in helicopter crash

<p>People on Long Island and across New York are showing support for the family of the Commack father who was among seven service members killed in a military helicopter crash last week in Iraq.</p>

News 12 Staff

Mar 18, 2018, 10:38 AM

Updated 2,225 days ago

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Efforts underway to support family of LI man killed in helicopter crash
People on Long Island and across New York are showing support for the family of the Commack father who was among seven service members killed in a military helicopter crash last week in Iraq.
As News 12 has reported, Raguso was among seven service members killed in the helicopter crash in Iraq while serving as a flight engineer with New York Air National Guard. Raguso, an FDNY lieutenant and volunteer in the Commack Fire Department, leaves behind his wife Carmella and their two young daughters, ages 5 and 6.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced a campaign at the Engine 249/Ladder 113 firehouse in Brooklyn Sunday to offer financial assistance to the family of Christopher Raguso.
The foundation is giving $100,000 toward helping Raguso's family pay off their mortgage. The organization is calling on people to go to its website to pitch in for the rest.
Raguso's grief-stricken mother, Laura Raguso, spoke at the event Sunday, saying that her son felt compelled to serve.
"I said, 'Papi, please, why do you have to do this?' And he said, 'Mommy, because I don't, who's going to do it?' And I begged him not to do it," she said.
The “Commack Moms” Facebook group is also encouraging residents to put up yellow ribbons outside of their homes in honor of Raguso. A website has also been set up to bring Raguso’s wife and daughters meals.


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