Monday, May 27, 2024

Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:

Marine CPL Xavier Zavala, Age 22 of Kennewick, WA.
Died Aug. 31, 2022

After graduating from Kamiakin, Xavier immediately enlisted in the US Marines to serve the country he loved and grew up in, achieving the rank of Corporal – E4. He was stationed in North Carolina.

Xavier was big brother to Xander. He was such a great big brother and loved spending time with Xander helping him learn new things as he was growing up. Xander looked up to his big brother, loved him dearly, and was his #1 fan.

Xavier was a happy, curious, adventourous, fearless, child, teenager, and young man. X as he was known by his family and friends marched to the beat of his own drum. X did’nt bow to peer pressure or worry about what people thought of him. When it came to hair styles, clothing choices, costumes, or wearing free hug signs, if he liked it, that was good enough for him. Xavier liked being different and was okay with standing out in a crowd. This made X likeable and approachable, and he made friends easily.

It would also be fair to say that X could get along with everyone and he didn’t like leaving anyone out. He cared for others and made sure everyone was included. His kindness and compassion for others was evident by his words and actions, something he learned very from his mom Paulina, that he carried with him rhoughout his life. This attitude and way of thinking made him a great leader and gave him a solid foundation throughout his life. It is easy to see why he was looked up to and why people were drawn to him. Xavier was really likeable and very easy to love.

Growing up Xavier loved playing football, playing video games, Harry Potter, dressing up in cosplay costumes, helping his mom at the boat races each summer, and hanging out with friends and family, just to name a few of his favorite things to do.

As X got older, he became interested in karate and wrestling where he excelled in both. After Xavier graduated from high school, he would make time to help out at both the karate school and at the wrestling team practices when he was in town.

After graduating from high school Xavier fulfilled 3 of his life dreams. Xavier joined the United States Marine Corps, married his high school sweetheart, Jaylee, and became a father to his beautiful daughter Natalia, who he loved with all his heart. Knowing him the way we do, we just have to imagine what an amazing Marine, husband and father he would have been.

Xavier was called home into the arms of Jesus on the evening of Aug. 30, 2022. We believe that he was surrounded by the saints of angels , and welcomed into heaven by his grandmother who had a smile on her face and her arms open wide. We also know that he had friends and family gathered together to welcome him home.

Though his life on earth was short Xavier left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. The ripple effects of his life will continue to make a difference in the world. We have memories that will last a lifetime and Xavier Zavala will never be forgotten.

We had an amazing 9.51 Mile walk. We started out by walking through the Gardens. Watching the wildlife, enjoying the ponds. We then worked our way to 127 North where we headed South. We stopped for a min. at the Marine recruiting office and we stopped to get a photo of the beautiful memorial flowers. We then headed up town to the War Memorial Park where we met several Veterans. We got to visit for a little bit and take some photo’s and then we continued down main street. We then worked our way back up West Ave. and over by Kroger’s. We made a stop at the DAV office and then we stopped to visit some of our brothers in the Frost Cemetery before heading home. I want to thank all the Veterans up town and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero. It was amazing. We had 287 honks. I thank you. The weather turned out beautiful and we couldn’t ask for a better day to have a walk with a Hero.

Marine CPL Xavier Zavala will not be forgotten !