Good evening, friends. Tonight we honor the service and memory of Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, a Marine whose death as a result of wounds he received in Afghanistan was announced on Wednesday. The Department of Defense made the following announcement:
Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa, died Nov. 21 of wounds suffered Nov. 18 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Its title is a reminder that almost every day a military family gets the terrible news about a loved one. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here and here. They all had loved ones, families and friends. The DoD news releases are here. I Got the News Today is intended to honor, respect and remind.
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Zach Reiff was a native of the small community of Preston, Iowa where he graduated from High school in 2007. He was one of just 34 seniors who graduated from Preston High School that year. As a student, he was a member of the football, track, and wrestling teams. Brandon Michel, one of Zach's classmates and close friends, said that he was:
Just a really fun kid. We would hunt, fish just hang out he was a great friend. ~source
Cpl. Reiff joined the Marines on December 9th, 2008. He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED and it exploded on November 18th. He was seriously injured and was flown to Germany. Zach's parents flew to Germany, and they were at his side when he passed away three days later.
Zach Reiff was a heavily decorated Marine. His military honors and decorations include:
the Purple Heart with gold star device, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star device.~source
Here is a beautiful comment posted on Zach's Facebook page from one of the crew who airlifted him out of Afghanistan:
I was a part of the aircrew that had the honor of airlifting you out of Afghanistan, to say your final goodbyes to your family... It was an honor to serve you, just as you served us. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. I'll never forget the impact you had on my life and the lives of my crew. Love and peace to you and your grieving family. xo ~source
Thank you, Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, for your selfless service and dedication to our nation. Poppies are the universal symbols of remembrance. May we never forget your service and your sacrifice.
Rest in peace.