Honoring the Fallen | Airman First Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback

Airman 1st Class Zachary Ryan Cuddeback, was one of the two U.S. Airmen killed at a German airport last week. It was brought to my attention, just today, that he was born at Scott Air Force Base, IL, which is within minutes from where I live. He will return here on Friday, and laid to rest on Saturday.

It has become a ritual for me to attend the funeral of any of our fallen heroes who return home to the St. Louis metropolitan area. A couple of years ago, I acquainted myself with members of The Patriot Guard, and joined the Illinois Chapter. It will be my honor, albeit with heartfelt sadness, that I will once again join my fellow Patriot Guard Riders, stand in his honor, and escort this home town hero to his resting place.

After considerable thought, I decided to share his moving obituary. While he wasn't a member of our Navy family, I hope you will consider visiting the Guest Books (links following his obituary) to extend condolences.

When my sailor signed on the dotted line to serve his country and raised his hand to take the oath of enlistment, the realism that his name could very well appear in the local newspaper under the obituary column now existed. Paying the ultimate sacrifice... I pray that time never comes for me, or for any of you, my fellow NavyDads community members. If it does, rest assured I will be humbled and honored to stand in honor of your veteran's service and sacrifice.

A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback
July 6, 1989 - March 2, 2011

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, Missouri. Zac was born on July 6, 1989 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He became 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 7am 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, Texas; and, became a Vehicle Operator (2T1X1) at the 364th Training Squadron, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon graduation in January 2010, Zac was promoted to Airman First Class and assigned to home town recruiting in Charlottesville, Virginia. 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 is survived by his Mom, Celia "De" Loyet; Dad, Bob Cuddeback; brother and best friend, Tim Cuddeback, all of Virginia, and Einstein, his puppy. He is also survived by his grandparents, Lois "Tiny" Loyet, of O'Fallon, and Daniel and Barbara Cuddeback of Millerton, New York; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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.

A Celebration Memorial will be held at his favorite place in the world - the Charlottesville Ice Park (Main Street Arena) - on March 9th, 2011 from 1-3pm; the service is open to everyone wishing to honor Zac. Tim Cuddeback will be the pallbearer, escorted by his Mom and Dad. His favorite teams are the St. Louis Blues and Rams!

The 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, United States Air Force - Europe Command, Ramstein AB, Germany will honor A1C Zachary Cuddeback with a memorial service on March 10, 2011. For further information, please contact his First Sergeant, MSgt. April Owen at april.owen@ramstein.af.mil.

The O'Fallon community will honor Zac on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Visitation will be from 11:00am until 1:00pm, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Drive, O'Fallon, Illinois, with Mass to begin at 1:00pm.  Zac will be laid to rest in O'Fallon with full military honors, next to his Grandfather, Cecil O. Loyet. For more information including community involvement and participation, please contact Wolfersberger Funeral Home via email or call the funeral home at 618-632-3681.

In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Zachary Cuddeback Celebration Memorial, First Citizens Bank (Visit www.firstcitizens.com to make a donation)

A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback lived by the motto: "Honor Super Omnia"

Zac is best described and will always be remembered as: "Boisterous, Impulsive, Loving"

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