Two local veterans honored in Rensselaer County bridge, road renaming

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A bridge and a road in Rensselaer County are being renamed to honor two local veterans. The bridge on Washington Avenue crossing Interstate 90 in Rensselaer will honor Casey Frankoski and a portion of the highway on State Route 40 in Schaghticoke will be renamed to honor Pat Casale, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.

The new laws to rename state roads and bridges was part of a package of legislation to support veterans signed Monday. The package also enhances access to veterans' benefits, enhance quality of supportive housing available, including training for housing providers, and expands the veteran tuition awards program for non-combat veterans.

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the brave men and women who have served our country by ensuring their legacy lives on in communities across New York," Governor Hochul said. "These laws not only honor our fallen heroes but also expand vital resources for veterans and their families, making sure they receive the recognition and support they deserve."

Legislation number S.9338/A renames the bridge on Washington Avenue crossing Interstate 90 in Rensselaer as the “CW2 Casey N. Frankoski Memorial Bridge," in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski. Legislation number S.8939-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 40 between Carvers Lane and Warren Lane in Schaghticoke as the “Assemblyman Pat M. Casale Memorial Highway,” in honor of veteran and former Troy Mayor Pat Casale.

Frankoski, an Army National Guard soldier, was patrolling the US-Mexico border near La Grulla, Texas when she and another solider were killed in a helicopter crash on March 8, 2024. She enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2016 and promoted to Warrant Officer 2 in 2021, after becoming a UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopter pilot.

"CW2 Casey Frankoski is an American hero. The generosity of her spirit, the content of her character and her unfailing courage remain an inspiration to all of us in the Capital Region. Making this bridge her namesake will commemorate her service and sacrifice for generations to come," State Senator Jacob Ashby said. "It's still devastating to know we can never get Casey (Frankoski) back. It's important to know she'll never, ever be forgotten."

Assemblymember John McDonald III echoed Senator Ashby's remarks.

"Casey Frankoski served our country with great energy, commitment, and valor. Casey loved serving our country and loved life in general. Her death leaves a hole in the hearts of many and it is hoped that the dedication of the CW2 Casey N. Frankoski bridge provides comfort to the loved ones left behind," McDonald said. "Additionally let this dedication serve as an inspiration to those that will pass under and over that bridge everyday to encourage all to step up and serve our country, work to make our democracy even stronger, respecting others views, and working towards common ground."

Pat Casale, a former Assemblymember, served in the Korean Conflict before becoming Troy Mayor and a seven-term state Assemblymember. Casale was known for his bipartisan approach and his connection with his neighbors, according to the Governor's office. Casale died in his home in 2022.

"Pat Casale's deployment during the Korean War was the first chapter of a storybook life defined by public service and courage. A dedicated mayor, beloved county clerk and maverick state Assemblyman, Pat (Casale) worked relentlessly on behalf of all of his constituents and always chose meeting people's needs over partisan politics," Senator Ashby said. "It's a well-deserved, lasting tribute to a veteran whose values- family, community, and service- represent the best of us."

The governor also announced new rounds of grant funding to support veterans across the street on Monday. For more information on this veteran support package or the grant funding, visit the governor's website or the State Department of Veterans' Services website.