Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff, 22, of Preston, Iowa
Cpl Reiff was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died Nov. 21, 2011 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered Nov. 18, 2011 while conducting combat operations.
Cpl Reiff was wounded while on foot patrol when he stepped on an IED. He died three days later in Germany with his parents at his bedside.
Cpl Reiff graduated from Preston High School in 2007, where he wrestled, ran track and played drums in the band.
Cpl Reiff enlisted in the Marines in December 2008. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan. He was injured by an IED on his first deployment, recovering from his injuries with rehabilitation. He volunteered for this deployment. He deployed in September.
On November 17, he was given “NCO of the Quarter” and placed on Meritorious Service Board for Seargent.
Preston High School principal, Dave Miller, said, “He was a well-built young man who kept himself in good condition. He was a good person who did his own thing and never caused anybody trouble.”
Friend, Tara recalled a pair of Preston track sweat pants Reiff loaned her and how she would never be able to return them.
“I wish there was a way you could see how loved you are, but apart of me knows you already know. It’s times like these that make me remember to always leave someone you love and care about with loving words. You never know when it will be your last good bye.”
Cpl Reiff's awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart (2)
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze star device
Cpl Reiff is survived by his parents, Marcia and Matt; brother, Kolby and sister, Emily; maternal grandmother, Lucille.
Marine Cpl. Zachary C. Reiff was killed in action on 11/21/11.
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