Cpl. Zachary A. Kolda, 23, of Corpus Christi, Texas; died December 1, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom. He assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Houston; killed Dec. 1 by enemy action in Anbar province, Iraq. Cpl Kolda of Corpus Christi, Texas graduated from high school in 2000 and moved to Austin to study international business at the University of Texas. He had to leave his studies in spring 2004 when he was called to active duty. Growing up, Zachary served as an acolyte at his Episcopal church and lived in Germany for a year as a foreign exchange student. Every day was an adventure with Zak because he never hesitated to pull a harmless prank or perform a funny stunt. That's what made it so special, you just never knew what was going to happen with Zak. People just gravitated toward him. Zak lived in Austin with his wife, Arleen, whom he married in April. Zak had some advice for his family in his last letter home from Iraq postmarked November 17 2004. He wrote, "Laugh harder than you should, it feels good. Remember, sometimes a sunset is enough to fix a lousy day. When everything stinks, go for a jog to remind yourself you can still run." Zachary died at age 23 in an explosion during an attack. He was helping protect Iraq's largest hydroelectric dam when he was killed. His funeral service was held at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, where Zak had served as an acolyte as a child. In addition to his grandfather, Kolda is survived by his wife, Arlene, his parents, Patrick and Paula Kolda, and his grandmother Martha Kolda.
Marine
Forces Reserve
1st Battalion
23rd Marine Regiment
4th Marine Division
Houston, Texas