An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMediaNews

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

News


 

Blood thicker than water: Airman with leukemia finds roots among fellow Airmen.

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dan Lanphear
  • 914 AW
NIAGARA FALLS ARS, N.Y. --  When Senior Airman Frank Coseglia was diagnosed with Leukemia in December, many parts of life were redefined. Amid grueling treatments, extended hospital stays and the strain of fear and uncertainty, at least one part of life has taken on a better, brighter meaning: family.

Frank Coseglia enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 2003. Following a family path of service in "blue," he became a health services management technician in the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. He immediately found himself welcomed by a new, extended family of Airmen in the unit.

"We're like family in the unit," said Airman Coseglia. But that is arguably an understatement.

"We like Frank," said Master Sgt. Dave Peters, a fellow medical technician there. "We're a close-knit unit, and Frank's been the best of the best in our admin section. This is the family right here--this is it."

But being a sharp troop is only part of the story ...

The 914th ASTS welcomed Col. Patrick R. Coseglia as its first squadron commander in 1974.  Airman Coseglia's grandfather commanded the unit until 1987. Coseglia Street is named for him. Master Sgt. Rich Coseglia is a C-130 loadmaster for the wing: he is Airman Coseglia's uncle.

Since 2003, Airman Coseglia has served the unit with pride.

Last December, while attending classes at the University of New Haven, New Haven, Conn., he suffered abdominal pain and was taken to a hospital for an examination. The resulting cancer diagnosis meant immediate action was required. Currently receiving treatments at Roswell Park Cancer Research Institute, Airman Coseglia is struggling with failed chemotherapy treatments. He is awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

Technical Sgt. Jamie-Lynn Winkler is also a Nurse at Roswell Park, who works directly with Airman Coseglia in his treatments.

"He doesn't ask for anything. He has a 'picture-perfect' attitude," she said. "One thing he needs is financial support."

With medical bills piling up, his family needs every dollar they can get.

"When one of our members is in trouble, or sick, we come to help," said Sgt. Peters.

With blood cancer, he needs transfusions. The 914th Airlift Wing donated more A-positive blood than he could use. The squadron also put together a fundraising campaign to help him through the struggle.

They held a cookout, which raised about $435 dollars, raffles, and a stand-up comedy night at the base theater. Sgt. Peters performed for Airmen and family members from throughout the wing. He wrote most of the material, but said some parts were "borrowed and adapted."

Sgt. Peters credited the entire squadron for their support, but named several fulltime staff members who played key roles, including Senior Master Sgt. Becky Costello, Technical Sgts. Becky Hucknall, and Chris Barone, Staff Sgt. Victorine Byrnes, and squadron first sergeant Master Sgt. Les Blue. Always light-hearted, Sgt. Peters downplayed his efforts: "We have fun after work anyway. I think it's good to let go and laugh now and then," he said. "But, I was particularly proud of the 'Edith and Archie' bit."

The hour-long solo comedy act raised about $500 for the Coseglia family. Sgt. Peters retired March 5 after 26 years of service to the Air Force.

"I had fun. It's easy when you have fun. There ought to be more things like this."

"To everybody who's given me support, it helps out dramatically: the support, people to talk to, people who care," said Airman Coseglia. "Funds are one less thing to worry about: it does not go unnoticed."

During a time when so many things seem negative for Airman Coseglia --"Friends are a plus," he said.

To make an appointment to donate blood or blood platelets for Airman Coseglia, call Roswell Park Cancer Institute Blood Bank Monday through Saturday (716) 845-8275.