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Marauders remember: 86th VRS deployed with 386th honor fallen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In a large hangar, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, a small group of 387th and 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron combat truckers and vehicle operators paid their final respects to their brother, another vehicle operator, March 5.

More than 25 members of the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, who are currently deployed here held a memorial for Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback, 21, who was killed along with another Airman March 2, during a shooting incident outside Terminal 2 of the Frankfurt International Airport.

During the memorial, Capt. Todd Leathermon, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain, encouraged all to share their thoughts and reflections of Airman Cuddeback.

"Many of you, each of you, have special memories of your relationship with Zach," said Capt. Leathermon. "Share those memories with each other to help you through this time."

The memories and stories of Airman Cuddeback, who was known to always have a smile on his face and a can of Monster in his hand, showed him as an Airman and a friend who could be depended on to be there when he was needed.

Staff Sgt. Justin James remembers being one of the first people Airman Cuddeback met when he arrived at Ramstein.

"He really had respect for his NCOs," said Sergeant James. "He was always at parade rest when he talked to me, which is really not a common thing you see nowadays. Airman Cuddeback always had a smile on his face and he drank a lot of Monster; I just don't know how he would sleep at night."

An image of an Airman who was always willing to lend good cheer and a smile began to emerge from personal stories shared by the small group.

"First time I met Cuddeback, I thought he had the funniest name I had ever heard," said Senior Airman Ashley Deacon. "He had the bluest eyes I had ever seen and he always had a smile on his face. You could never stay upset with him because he had those amazing eyes and that killer smile. He had a habit of killing you with kindness. Anytime you needed something, anytime you needed help he was always going to be there."

Senior Airman Jada Respondek arrived at Ramstein the same time that Airman Cuddeback did and worked with him in the squadron.

"Cuddeback always made people laugh," said Airman Respondek. "He would tell you a story you didn't always believe but then you would go back and tell everyone this same story Cuddeback told you earlier that day. He really just made everyone smile."

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Hosey remembers his first conversation he had with Airman Cuddeback just two years earlier at Basic Military Training.

"I first met Cuddeback scrubbing a shower in basic training," said Airman Hosey with a laugh. "I know not the best conditions to meet a buddy, but I remember that first conversation, he talked about his red BMW and how that car is the fastest car he's ever driven.

Before the combat truckers left for this deployment, Airman Cuddeback was a staple during their outprocessing.

"He was one of the folks who saw us all off before we came here," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Chandler. "I told him when I got back I would meet up with him so we could have a beer. The other night I grabbed a near-beer [non-alcoholic beer] took a sip and poured a little out for him."

"Right before we left, he was out with us, supporting us making sure we knew that if there was anything we needed at home station he was going to be there for us now and when we got back," said Airman Deacon. "He won't be there physically but I know he's still watching us."

Capt. Leathermon urged all in attendance to lean on their faith during this difficult time.

"God will be with you as you go through this time," said Capt. Leathermon. "It's difficult for you to understand right now but as the song says the Lord will be with you."

As the final song played, "I Salute You," everyone was given a chance to pay their final respects and render their last salute to Airman Cuddeback.

"I appreciate him being the friend that he was not just to me but to all of us," said Airman Hosey. "Cuddeback was a friend of mine, he was a brother in arms, he was a wingman and he was definitely a warrior Airman. He lived by the Airmen's Creed and the core values. I'm better off knowing him."