http://www.wftv.com/news/27076255/detail.html?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d70ed9a6dacebd4%2C0
I can't even begin to explain the feeling you get when watching national news about war casualties and you see the face of your best friend looking back at you. Unreal, scary, heartbreaking, those words don't even do it justice. This week my best friend was killed defending our country. As a proud member of the Air Force Zac put his life on the line for our country and unfortunately ended up paying the ultimate price.
Zac was an amazing guy, and his death still doesn't seem real. Zac was known to always have a smile on his face and for his ability to put a smile on anyone's face. He always told me that people at worked called him Google; I don't know if thats true or not, but he told me it was because he always knew random facts. That part is true, whether or not the random fact was true or not is another story. He always had something to add to a conversation. Zac was known for his infectious laugh, I can't even begin to count the number of times he cheered me up just with his laugh alone.
Zac was one of the few nice guys, and he didn't just put on a nice front, he was genuinely nice. Our friendship took a while to really catch on only hanging out at the beginning, but late into high-school we became really close. Zac became a regular at my house and everyone looked forward to night when Zac was there. People ask me what my best memories of Zac are, but the truth is, I don't know. I have so many great memories of Zac, but some of my favorites are probably just the times where he would come over and hang out with the family casually just watching movies and playing around.
Despite the sadness that is associated with his death, I have also felt a lot of pride. Facebook is full of comments from those who knew him well to those who hardly knew him paying respect and mourning over his loss. I have never been so proud to call someone my friend. He has touched so many lives and I am so thankful that I am one of the people who really got to know him. It is amazing to see how others can realize how special he was, how amazing of a person he was, and what a great loss we are all experiencing in losing him.
I could say so much more about him and great he was, but no words will give him true justice, so do me a favor ~ those of you who read this, the next time you see a man in uniform, thank him for what he does, tell her you appreciate her, buy them a lunch, at the very least think to yourself all that they put on the line for our great country - because everyone out there is a Zac to someone, every soldier is someone's soldier, someone's best friend, someone's son or daughter, someone's brother or sister, someone's world. It's a shame that it took this event hitting so close to make that so real.
So here's to Zac, an amazing son, brother, and friend. I know you're up there keeping a good eye on us now! Love Ya!
