Town mourns soldier killed in Humvee crash

[unhappycamper]

Town mourns soldier killed in Humvee crash
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jan 4, 2009 12:34:41 EST

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Friends and family members remembered a Broken Arrow soldier who died in an accident in Iraq on Christmas Eve as a chubby kid who lost weight to get into the Army.

Stephen Zapasnik, 19, and two fellow soldiers were killed after their Humvee crashed into a canal after a road collapse.

Friends and loved ones gathered Friday at Centennial Middle School in Broken Arrow to say goodbye to Zapasnik. A picture on his casket showed him in uniform, striking a funny pose. It was an image reflected by those who spoke of the teenager who attended Broken Arrow schools.

His brother, Chris Zapasnik, said he regrets he didn’t get the chance to tell his brother just how much he loved and admired him. He said his brother volunteered to man the machine gun on top of his Humvee, a dangerous job because the gunner is an exposed target in a firefight.

“Stephen didn’t have to be a turret gunner,” Chris Zapasnik said. “He is a true American hero.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_soldiermemorial_010309/%2e



uhc comment: To date four thousand two hundred twenty one soldiers have died in the invasion and occupation of Iraq --> http://icasualties.org/oif/