Because Nomadés is a small business, we are intimately involved with every aspect of the company. Our Logistics Manager, who oversees shipping, carefully checks every order. In July, she had an order for Gold 3-Star Flag Charm which was unusual. It is rare that a family would have 3 family members give the ultimate sacrifice. I contacted the customer to confirm that she had intended to purchase the Gold 3-Star Charm. That phone call was once again confirmation of why we started this company- to “share your story.”

On March 8, 2024, in South Texas, along the U.S.- Mexico Border a UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed. 3 people were killed in the crash, including the pilot CW2 Casey Frankoski, CW2 John Grassia and Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna. Casey and John were both National Guard Soldiers with the 224^th Aviation Regiment of the New York National Guard, who were deployed in support of Southwest Border Security Mission.

Lisa Frankoski, Casey’s aunt, had in fact, intentionally purchased a Gold 3-Star Flag Charm to not only honor her niece, Casey, but also John and Chris, who had given their lives in service to our country.

To say Casey “lit up a room” is an understatement. In chatting with Lisa about Casey, it is evident that she was exceptional. She was a daughter, a sister, a niece, “the” favorite aunt, a girlfriend and a friend. It should be noted that Casey wasn’t just a friend, she was a friend for life. She had an infectious smile and a fun loving and genuine personality.  

Growing up Casey was a Girl Scout for 13 years. She was a competitive bowler, and she played softball. Casey loved both fishing and riding her jet ski. Casey was also an avid concert goer… her motto was “Life is short, buy the tickets.” Casey was, what some people might call, a “groupie.” She always managed to talk her way backstage at concerts, meeting many of her favorite artists.

Casey was also driven and determined in her career. She knew from an early age that she wanted to learn to fly, and Casey was dedicated to serving her community and country. She enlisted in the Army National Guard in October 2016. In November 2018, Casey was deployed to Kuwait where she served until September 2019 as a Mission Planner with her Unit. In 2019, she was appointed Chief Warrant Officer and began her flight school training as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. In 2021, Casey graduated from flight school and was promoted to CWO2. 

It seems everything Casey did exceeded the ordinary. While serving in the United States Army National Guard, she earned many honors including the: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge. At home, in Rensselaer, New York, Casey was also a volunteer firefighter at the Best Luther Fire Department. She was also a member of the Environmental Conservation Corps and a member of the American Legion Gerald O’Neil Post 1683.

As if that weren’t enough, Casey was in her last semester and last class at Excelsior University. This May, Casey posthumously graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Her aunt, Lisa, graciously accepted her diploma. In addition, the leadership from  Excelsior and Lisa been actively fundraising for the Casey Frankoski ’24 Ever Upward Scholarship, which has reached endowment status of $25,000. Her scholarship will be lifetime for active duty or veteran students.

Truth be told, as a company, we were hesitant to create the Gold Star Charm years ago. We didn’t want it to be just another charm. We didn’t want it to appear as if we were making money off acts of sacrifice. Some very persuasive Gold Star wives reminded us that sometimes sacrifice is part of the story, and they wanted all the chapters that told their story. I am so glad we listened, and I am so glad that it fell my lot that day to reach out to Lisa. I am better for having known her and enriched by knowing Casey’s story. Casey will always be her Aunt Lisa’s TRIPLE THREAT…Brains, Beauty and one heck of a Bad***!

 In honor of Casey, we are sharing her favorite recipe on Stories From the Kitchen. Casey's Potatoes were a must have at family gatherings and we think they sound delicious.