Andrew J. Zabierek
War: Iraq
Class: 2000
Major: Business
Home Town: Chelmsford, MA
Service: US Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division
Date of Death: May 21, 2004
Details of Death: Killed in Hostile Action. While patrolling the Al Anbar Province he was struck by a vehicle, possibly driven by an Iraqi resident.
Personal remembrances and tributes:
BOSTON AP — A Marine corporal has died in Iraq less than two weeks before his 26th birthday. Cpl. Andrew Zabierek, 25, died Friday south of Baghdad while serving in the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, according to a statement released Saturday by U.S. Congressman Marty Meehan. The 2nd Marine Division is based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Zabierek, who arrived in Iraq in March, was patrolling the Al Anbar province of the country when he was struck by a vehicle, possibly driven by an Iraqi resident, Meehan told The Sun of Lowell, Mass. His father, Stephen Zabierek, told the newspaper he expected to learn more details on Tuesday.
Zabierek, a Clemson University graduate, worked for American Express Financial Advisors in Waltham before volunteering for military service after the Sept. 11 attacks, which affected him deeply, his father said. “Andrew could have been an officer, but he chose to start out as an enlisted soldier,” he said. “His point was, how do you lead a grunt if you don’t know what a grunt goes through every day?” Stephen Zabierek said his son had a difficult life in the Middle East, but he enjoyed talking to Iraqi children and said they would flock around him and ask questions about America and his family.
Andrew Zabierek’s grandfather was a World War II bombardier and his father served four years in the Navy in the early 1970s. His younger brother, Mark Zabierek, is a second lieutenant and intelligence officer in the Air Force.
Andrew Zabierek, of Chelmsford, Mass., was almost halfway through his four-year commitment to the Marines, The Sun reported. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Andrew. He was a brave young man,” Meehan said. “Andrew answered his call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of the United States, Iraq, and the world. We owe him all a debt of gratitude.”
Source: http://www.mco.com/valor/257294.html
LCPL Andrew J. Zabierek Memorial Bridge in Chelmsford, MA
The Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation was formed in 2004, following the death of Lance Corporal Andrew J. Zabierek, a Marine from Chelmsford, MA. Lance Corporal Zabierek was killed in action in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while responding to a mortar attack outside his camp. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and was honored by the town of Chelmsford with their Guardian Award in May of 2007. He was also awarded The Medal of Valor by the Chelmsford Elks in June of 2008. In an effort to create something positive from his passing, members of his family and community leaders created the foundation which bears his name in the hope of continuing the legacy of sacrifice and service that Andrew's memory inspires.
Read more: http://ajzfoundation.org/aboutus.html
Still brings tears to my eyes that you are no longer here. I keep my pictures of you, Tommy, and me from our New Years trip to Boston in 2000. I see you everyday and wish you were here. Love you brother...."
-Chris Edens of Asheville NC
"Zabie - We're a few days early, but Happy 30th Birthday. Wish we could celebrate together."
-The Loop Mike, Jeff, Geoff of Lowell/Chelmsford, MA
"I'll never forget our talks in college. I love you and miss you."
-John Allison of Columbia, SC
"Thank you Andrew. You are a hero to all who knew and love you and to those like myself who simply feel a deep gratitude when I drive by the bridge overpass on Rte 495 in Chelmsford and see the flags placed in your honor. Rest peacefully young man. We will never forget."
-Terri of Chelmsford
"From one Chelmsford Marine family to another. Andy played baseball not all that long ago with my sons on the fields of Chelmsford. Our beautiful sons then moved on to fight, honor and protect us on the fields of Iraq. On behalf of my family and sons, we are truly saddened by Andy's loss. There is not one day that goes by that I don't pray for you, for Andy and for all our soldiers. Tim returned from Iraq a year ago. We are grateful for the blessing of his return. We salute you."
-Jo Shaw (Holt) of N. Chelmsofrd, MA
"I haven driven Lcpl Zabierek out on patrol several time and spoke with quite frequently. I was a truck driver for Fox Co 2/2. I am teribly sorry for your loss. Lcpl Nicholas McGhee"
-Nicholas McGhee of Paragould, Arkansas
"Andy-Hearing the news was a shock to the system. I lost touch with you after high school, but I still remember you and will keep you in my memory always. I miss you."
-Dimitri of Charlotte, NC
"I met Andrew while we worked together at American Express. Both of our careers there were cut short after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I left to join the Army Reserves, and Andrew to the Marine Corps. I remember a conversation that we had before we parted, and realized that Andrew was one of the most patriotic people that I have ever met. He was an intelligent and compassonate human being who was filled with kindness and empathy - traits that are hard to come by in this day and age. I always thought that I would see him again, but he gave his life, the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom as Americans, in OIF. I will cherish his memory always. To his family, friends, and fellow Veterans: You are in my prayers. Andrew was an outstanding person, a brave warrior who is greatly missed. To Andrew: I am so proud of you. I think of you often, and will see you again someday."
-SGT Lauren Nasson, USAR of Somerville, MA USA
"It's hard to put any of my feelings and thoughts down in one or two sentences about this, it is devestating to me personnaly. Andrew, you were my friend at college and after college. Some of the best times I had in school ivolved you. I'll never be able to say enough about how proud I am that you and I were friends during and after our years at Clemson. Thank you for making me laugh so hard that my head hurt, thank you for all the good times we had together, thanks for being a part of my life and allowing me to be a part of yours. With every ounce of sincerity I have in my body, you will truely be missed.....Love ya brother...."
-Chris Edens of Jacksonville, FL/USA
"To the family of Andrew: I served with your son at FOB St. Mike. He died on my birthday and I will never forget hearing the news of his death. He was a damn good grunt and the hole that he left will never be filled by anyone in 2/2. Semper Fi...see you again one day..."
-A grieving friend of USA
"To the family of Andrew- I had a chance to serve with 'zippity'when I first returned from Iraq. He was one of my new guys in the begining and then went off to another platoon. He was always a step up on the other guys and always so polite and mature. I always kidded with him about why he wasnt an officer and he said he wanted to be with guys. He will be greatly missed in this world but I know he is watching over everyone and gave his all for everyone in the US and Iraq! "Zippity" Ill see you Brother!"
-Cory Dreyer of Clearwater, Florida
"To the family of Andrew: I was a classmate of Andrew's at CHS. He was a good man. May God bless you in your time of grief."
-Heather (Brown) Janis of Provo, UT
"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Andrew Zabierek: I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Andrew, who continues to live on in your heart."
-Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia
Source: http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/zabierekandrewj.html
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