Local News

Wake Held For New York Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Suicide Bombing

/ CBS New York

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A wake was being held Thursday for a New York service member killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa, a Suffolk County native, was one of six Americans killed Dec. 21 when a suicide bomber rode a motorcylce into a group of U.S. soldiers outside Bagram Air Base.

Bonacasa was on his fourth military tour. His family said he was planning to retire from the Armed Forces after finishing his deployment, set for April of next year.

The 31-year-old leaves behind a wife and 5-year-old daughter.

His remains were returned in a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard base in Westhampton Beach, where Bonacasa once served.
His commander escorted in Bonacasa's wife and young daughter to a ceremony filled with solemn faces, salutes and a tribute to Bonacasa's heroism, CBS2's Sonia Rincon reported.
"Duty threw down the gauntlet that fateful day in Afghanistan, and Louis refused to compromise the safety of his fellow warriors nor the future safety of his wife and his daughter," said Col. Timothy LaBarge, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing. "That, people, is heroism incarnate."
"We still see his smile, if only in pictures now," said Major John Torres, an Air National Guard chaplain. "A smile that lights up the room like no other, whether he's holding his beautiful baby daughter with indescribable tenderness or his M4 with fearless expert resolve."
Bonacasa's love for his young daughter, Lilly, inspired him to write a poem he had tattooed on his body, promising to be there for her even if he should make the ultimate sacrifice.
The airmen lined up in formation as Bonacasa's body was transferred to his grieving family.
Elected leaders and friends lined up to pay their respects at his wake.
"Sgt. Bonacasa was a hero, and I hope the family takes comfort in that," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
"Every time it happens anywhere in the country, especially on Long Island, it really hits home," said Rep. Peter King.
Mitch Ross, Bonacasa's high school principal, said, "When I got to know him, he said to me, 'I want to serve my country and I want to defend my country.' And that's what he did."
"Very sad for the moment. A wonderful person," added family friend Dan Weaver.
Many people at the wake didn't know Bonacasa personally, but said they wanted to honor his sacrifice and, with his family and community, help keep the promise he made to his young daughter.

Visitation hours will be until 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place.

His funeral is on Saturday at New Beginnings Christian Center in Coram. He will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery.

Bonacasa's wake comes a day after thousands attended the funeral for another New Yorker killed in the same attack. Joseph Lemm, 45, was an NYPD detective who also served in the Air National Guard.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, Mayor Bill de Blasio and others attended the funeral Mass for Lemm at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Wednesday morning. Cardinal Timothy Dolan presided over the service.

Lemm leaves behind a wife, teenage daughter and young son.

© 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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