Airman First Class and Hockey Player Extraordinaire Zachary Ryan Cuddeback's life was ended abruptly on March 2, 2011 while serving his nation in the Republic of Germany. Zac was shot and killed in the line of duty by an Islamic Terrorist. Zac was an Army brat that called many places his home but had a special place in his heart for St. Louis, Mo. Zac was born on July 6, 1989 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He became a big brother to Tim the following year, where he took on the task of protecting and loving him completely.

His Mom, De Loyet has always been in awe that she created two such beautiful, intelligent, caring, loving sons. His Dad, Bob Cuddeback instilled in Zac the pride and love of the United States and our freedoms. After moving to Virginia in 2003, Zac fell in love with hockey and played at the Charlottesville Ice Park. The only thing that would get him out of bed before 7 am was hockey. In 2008, Zachary graduated from William Monroe High School in Stanardsville, Va. He was very proud to have worked as a mechanic at Merchant's Tire and Auto – it was his true love and passion to work on cars. Zac attended Old Dominion University for a year where he played on the ODU Monarch's Ice Hockey Team. Zac joined the Kappa Delta Rho (KDP) fraternity and made lifelong "brothers".
Zac joined the United States Air Force in 2009; attended basic training at Lackland AFB, Tex.; and, became a Vehicle Operator (2T1X1) at the 364th Training Squadron, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon graduation in January 2010, Zac was promoted to Airmen First Class and assigned to home town recruiting in Charlottesville, Va. He was then assigned to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron in March of 2010.

Zac's love of the Air Force, Cars, Hockey, ODU, and his fraternity were paramount in his life. He always had a smile on his face for everyone, but had no closer friend than his brother Tim.

Zac is survived by his Mom, Celia "De" Loyet; Dad, Bob Cuddeback, brother and best friend, Tim Cuddeback, all of Virginia, and Einstein, his puppy. He is also survived by his grandparents, Lois "Tiny" Loyet, of O'Fallon and Daniel and Barbara Cuddeback of Millerton, N.Y., and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Zac was escorted home from Germany by his cousin and best friend Airman First Class Neal Bevirt. Neal was deployed in Afghanistan proudly serving the United States of America.

A Celebration Memorial will be held at his favorite place in the world – the Charlottesville Ice Park (Main Street Arena) – on March 9th, 2011 from 1-3 pm; the service is open to everyone wishing to honor Zac. Tim Cuddeback will be the pallbearer, escorted by his Mom and Dad. His favorite teams are the St Louis Blues and Rams!

The 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, United States Air Force – Europe Command, Ramstein AB, Germany will honor A1C Zachary Cuddeback with a memorial service on March 10, 2011. For further information, please contact his First Sergeant, MSgt April Owen at april.owen@ramstein.af.mil.

The O'Fallon community will honor Zac on Saturday, March 12, 2011.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Drive, O'Fallon, Ill., with Mass to begin at 1:00 pm. Zac will be laid to rest in O'Fallon with full military honors, next to his Grandfather, Cecil O. Loyet. For more information including community involvement and participation, please call the funeral home or visit www.ofallon.org, Press Releases, for opportunities for the general public to honor Zac.

In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests donations to the Zachary Cuddeback Celebration Memorial, First Citizens Bank, www.firstcitizens.com. Donations will also be accepted by Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

A1C Zachary Ryan Cuddeback lived by the motto:"Honor Super Omnia"

Zac is best described and will always be remembered as: "Boisterous, Impulsive, Loving"