Tributes
Leave a tributeKay Watson
Mother of Fallen Soldier Jeffrey Ray Mckinney
I have so many memories of you since your mom and I were pregnant at the same time!! We talked about our babies alot!!! I spent time with you as a baby, toddler, teen and watched you grow into the man you became!!!! I miss you Zach and love you like my own!!! I know that you are watching over us and smiling down on us always!!!
Leave a Tribute
Kay Watson
Mother of Fallen Soldier Jeffrey Ray Mckinney
Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run
My son and I never met your son, Zachary, however we heard about him, and his courageous efforts for our country, through Biker Bob with the Motorcycle Freedom Run organization. Bob was hosting a trivia event at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah this year. My son and I were answering trivia questions, and upon answering one correctly we were given a dog tag with Zachary's name on it. My son is 9 years old, just 10 years younger than Zachary when he gave his life for this country. My son wanted to look into Zachary's story, and it turns out our family has a slight connection. My older brother went through boot camp at Fort Benning, and was also stationed in Germany. He did not serve in Iraq, but did tours in Kosovo before Operation Iraqi Freedom started. I just want you to know that Zachary is remembered always, and that we are so incredibly thankful to him and his family for his service to this great Nation. I can't imagine what you must go through as a parent who has lost a child, that is something that no parent should have to endure. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that you are doing well and relishing in all the good memories you had with Zachary.
With Love,
Buchta Family
Highlands Ranch, CO
Never Met Him but..
1st time meeting
My husband and I flew to PA to meet Zach and his family. we had a wonderful visit with him, I was amazed how he could eat the spicy food that his mom cooked, It was way too spicy for me but he chowed it down. I met his best friend Norman on this trip, On July 18th I got the call that he had died, I was devestated, although onnly meeting him once and sharing a few hours with him, made an impact on my life and my Husband. We drove to PA for Zach's funeral, there were over 150 Patriot Guard riders that held flags and stood in the blazing heat to sheild us from protestors. My husband was a pall bearer and still carries the gloves that he wore to carry the casket in his class A's. We miss him very much and every year on July 18th we light a candle to remember him.