Three new names added to veterans’ memorial at Viaport Rotterdam

Three new names added to veterans’ memorial at Viaport Rotterdam

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The names of three local veterans were added to a memorial at ViaPort Rotterdam on Saturday.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara hosted a ceremony to honor Harold Brown and Edlouis McAlister Perkins, who both served in the U.S. Army.

He also honored John Grassia III, the National Guard member killed in a helicopter crash in Texas on March 8.

Grassia, a Rotterdam native, was a chief warrant officer who worked as a state trooper.

“We honor his bravery and his spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire us all,” Santabarbara said.

Chief Warrant Officer Casey Frankoski was also tragically killed in that crash.

A third local member, Jacob Pratt, was severely injured, and continues to recover.