Needless to say, it's been awhile since I've been able to blog. Part of my job requires me to travel to different parts of Indiana and Kentucky, responding to LODDs or public safety workers who are critically injured in the line of duty. While I have been training, it's mostly taken place on a treadmill inside a tiny gym at a hotel. I would prefer my dedicated workouts happen outside of a gym (at least while it's nice outside). I want people to see the writing on my arms and ask what it is...I want to tell these heroes' stories. It's up to us to keep the memory and spirit, as well as the service of these amazing men and women alive. I am determined to do that!
Tonight, I ran a little over two miles here in Lynn. My first mile was pretty good...not much different than my last posted mile time. The second mile...not such a great time. The good news is that I have lots of room for improvement and plenty of time to get better. I promise you, I WILL GET BETTER!! :)
Crew Chief Zachary VanderGriend, Neptune Aviation, (LODD-09/01/2008)
I had the pleasure of meeting Marci VanderGriend, Zachary's mother, this past May at the National Fallen Firefighters Survivors Weekend in Clayton, Missouri. Marci has the most amazing smile and her heart is just as big. I met her husband, Steve there, as well. He was just as kind and compassionate as Marci, with just as big of a smile. These two people welcomed me and immediately made me feel comfortable around them. They asked about my dad and genuinely listened as I shared his story. This is the beauty of meeting and spending time with other survivors. One of our favorite things to do is hear about each others' loved ones. It's a bond I just can't describe.
I listened as both Marci and Steve talked about their son, Zach. I could sense how incredibly proud they were. It wasn't until Marci sent me this information about Zach that I could so easily see that he was a mirror of the two of them. This young man was indeed special. He genuinely loved serving and giving back. It was an honor to run for Zachary VanderGriend this evening. Please take some time and get to know him a little better!
The following was written by Zachary's mother, Marci VanderGriend:
Zachary was born on June 1, 1983. From the age of two, Zach wanted to fly and become a missionary pilot. God put Zachary in locations where the right people were in place to mentor him and help with his dream of flight. Early on, Zach learned how to handle tools from his ‘PopPop’ Jake. As he grew, Zach was involved in museum work as a docent, detailer and aircraft restorer; there his love of old warbirds and radial engines grew.
Zach then became acquainted with EAA 579 and their Young Eagle program. Zach never missed a ‘free flight’ day. He spent many hours volunteering, giving tours of the B-17, grilling burgers and working as lineman during free flight days. Zach was awarded a scholarship to attend the EAA’s Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was given the Presidential Youth Service Award at the unveiling of the Butch O’Hare memorial at O’Hare Airport, an aircraft Zach helped restore. Zach received his private pilot’s license six weeks after he started training and then began giving free flights to children, his little sister, Andriana, being his first passenger. Because of Zach’s willingness to give back and his love of service, he was given the first ever Eagle Award by EAA 579.
Zach attended Moody Bible Institute, where he served as president of the aviation club; Moody School of Aviation; Spokane Community College; and Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska. Zach became an airframe and power plant mechanic and earned his degree in business aviation. From the time Zach could work, he was around the aviation community; working at detailing war birds and corporate jets, lineman at several fixed base operations across the country, as well as an A&P mechanic.
Zach started his dream job on Memorial Day 2008. It was at Neptune Aviation where Zach’s love of people, service and history all came together. He was called to fight fires on August 1, 2008, and was called home en route to the Smitty Fire in California on September 1, 2008.
Zach loved life; he was passionate about his faith in Jesus Christ. He loved his family and adored his little sister. He enjoyed working; whether it was restoring a car or an airplane, Zach loved to "turn wrenches." He loved to travel, fish, hunt, read, ski, and he always enjoyed a good laugh. A talented musician and actor, Zach loved people; he had friends of every age all over the world. He was a joy to be with, and his smile could light up a room. Zach loved to fly because it was there he felt closest to God. Zach was compassionate and generous to a fault. He was loyal, energetic, a man of integrity. He will always be loved.
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