Firemen play Crusaders in soccer match for families of 106th wing soldiers

Capt. Andreas B. O’Keeffe of Center Moriches, Staff Sgt. Dashan Briggs of Port Jefferson Station, Master Sgt. Christopher J. Raguso of Commack and Capt. Christopher T. Zanetis of Long Island City, Queens, were four soldiers from the 106th Rescue Wing who were killed in Iraq after their plane crashed. On Saturday, June 22, the community gathered to honor them and raise money for their families.

“Let us always remember these men and their families in our prayers,” said supervisor Ed Romaine.

The event honored and raised money for the soldiers, who died on March 15, 2018 when their helicopter crashed in Iraq. They were all stationed at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton. O’Keeffe, of Center Moriches, was also honored posthumously in May with a tree dedication at Kalers Pond Park. There was a magnolia tree planted to honor him, and the Town of Brookhaven will be placing a plaque at its base with an inscription for him.

“Please take a moment to thank the many brave men and women who are away from their families in service to our country so that we may be safe,” said Legis. Rudy Sunderman.

The game featured players on one side from the Center Moriches Fire Department, playing the Suffolk County Crusaders, with all proceeds going to the families of the soldiers who died. The Firemen relished in their home-field advantage, beating the Crusaders 7 to 4. The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches organized the event.