Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
Air Force A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback, Age 21 of St Louis, MO.
KIA Mar. 2, 2011 during Operation Enduring Freedom
Airman First Class and Hockey Player Extraordinaire Zachary Ryan Cuddeback’s life was ended abruptly on March 2, 2011 while serving his nation in the Republic of Germany. Zac was shot and killed in the line of duty by an Islamic Terrorist. Zac was an Army brat that called many places his home but had a special place in his heart for St. Louis, Mo. Zac was born on July 6, 1989 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He became a big brother to Tim the following year, where he took on the task of protecting and loving him completely.
His Mom, De Loyet has always been in awe that she created two such beautiful, intelligent, caring, loving sons. His Dad, Bob Cuddeback instilled in Zac the pride and love of the United States and our freedoms. After moving to Virginia in 2003, Zac fell in love with hockey and played at the Charlottesville Ice Park. The only thing that would get him out of bed before 7 am was hockey. In 2008, Zachary graduated from William Monroe High School in Stanardsville, Va. He was very proud to have worked as a mechanic at Merchant’s Tire and Auto – it was his true love and passion to work on cars. Zac attended Old Dominion University for a year where he played on the ODU Monarch’s Ice Hockey Team. Zac joined the Kappa Delta Rho (KDP) fraternity and made lifelong “brothers”.
Zac joined the United States Air Force in 2009; attended basic training at Lackland AFB, Tex.; and, became a Vehicle Operator (2T1X1) at the 364th Training Squadron, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon graduation in January 2010, Zac was promoted to Airmen First Class and assigned to home town recruiting in Charlottesville, Va. He was then assigned to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron in March of 2010.
Zac’s love of the Air Force, Cars, Hockey, ODU, and his fraternity were paramount in his life. He always had a smile on his face for everyone, but had no closer friend than his brother Tim.
Zac was escorted home from Germany by his cousin and best friend Airman First Class Neal Bevirt. Neal was deployed in Afghanistan proudly serving the United States of America.
We had a great 8.05 Mile walk this morning. We started off by walking by Holiday Lake and then we headed up town to the War Memorial Park. Before heading home we made a stop at the 9/11 Memorial. I want to thank everyone that honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 134 honks today. It was amazing. Thank You
Air Force A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback will not be forgotten !
