I created this memorial on April 1, and it was taken away from me after my friends left nearly 100 flowers for CWO Esparza. Not sure why it was taken. Please send me a message if you are requesting a transfer. The number was memorial 251557674.
Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Esparza was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and from Missouri.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama. Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crash is still being investigated. Will update as soon as possible. The remains of all the soldiers killed in the crash have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware.
--
From the Fort Campbell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
--
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/funeral-for-zachary-esparza-today/
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. â€" A funeral for a service member and St. Louis native is today. It's for Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza â€" who was killed in last month's crash of two Black Hawk helicopters.
He was among nine soldiers who died when the two helicopters collided outside fort Campbell, Kentucky on March 29, during a military training exercise. Zach was 36 years old and a 2005 graduate of Bayless High School.
BURIAL:
His funeral is at 10:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Church in south county. Zachary Esparza will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Governor Mike Parson has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff Monday in Zach's memory.
--
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2023/04/01/zachary-esparza-killed-in-fort-campbell-helicopter-crash-remembered/70071728007/
Zachary Esparza's positive energy was infectious.
From his days at Bayless High School in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri State University, and throughout his 13-year military career, friends say Esparza's lively personality had a way of lighting up the room.
Esparza, one of the nine Army service members killed in Wednesday's Black Hawk helicopter crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was also a mentor-like figure among his peers.
The Chief Warrant Officer 2 started his military career as a satellite communications specialist before entering the Army Warrant Flight program in 2015, and became a MedEvac helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division and served throughout the world.
SON OF:
Esparza, 36, the son of former Bayless Board of Education member Misty Overstreet Esparza, had a wide spectrum of interests. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, an outdoorsman, snowboarder, and a self-proclaimed charcuterie board artist.
Among his greatest passions was making his loved ones laugh.
In 2018 he mailed out Christmas cards dressed as National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" character Uncle Eddie, sporting a robe and trapper hat in front of an RV.
"He was one the most genuine, fun-loving spirits who could spark a conversation with anyone and always would be the center of the party," Ryan Christy, a friend of Esparza's in the Army, posted to Facebook. "While also being someone a lot of us leaned on when we were struggling after losing MFO400R."
MFO400R was a 2020 Black Hawk helicopter operation in Egypt that resulted in a crash that killed seven, including five U.S. service members.
Esparza, whose residence is listed in Jackson, Missouri just north of Cape Girardeau, had six siblings.
"Zac lived his life to the fullest while defending his country and traveling the world. He passed away while doing what he loved most, flying his aircrafts," his sister, Rebecca Esparza, posted to Facebook. "Let's celebrate the light that Zac brought into our lives and learn to live how Zac lived â€" to its fullest."
Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Esparza was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and from Missouri.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama. Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crash is still being investigated. Will update as soon as possible. The remains of all the soldiers killed in the crash have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware.
--
From the Fort Campbell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
--
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/funeral-for-zachary-esparza-today/
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. â€" A funeral for a service member and St. Louis native is today. It's for Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza â€" who was killed in last month's crash of two Black Hawk helicopters.
He was among nine soldiers who died when the two helicopters collided outside fort Campbell, Kentucky on March 29, during a military training exercise. Zach was 36 years old and a 2005 graduate of Bayless High School.
BURIAL:
His funeral is at 10:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Church in south county. Zachary Esparza will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Governor Mike Parson has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff Monday in Zach's memory.
--
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2023/04/01/zachary-esparza-killed-in-fort-campbell-helicopter-crash-remembered/70071728007/
Zachary Esparza's positive energy was infectious.
From his days at Bayless High School in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri State University, and throughout his 13-year military career, friends say Esparza's lively personality had a way of lighting up the room.
Esparza, one of the nine Army service members killed in Wednesday's Black Hawk helicopter crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was also a mentor-like figure among his peers.
The Chief Warrant Officer 2 started his military career as a satellite communications specialist before entering the Army Warrant Flight program in 2015, and became a MedEvac helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division and served throughout the world.
SON OF:
Esparza, 36, the son of former Bayless Board of Education member Misty Overstreet Esparza, had a wide spectrum of interests. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, an outdoorsman, snowboarder, and a self-proclaimed charcuterie board artist.
Among his greatest passions was making his loved ones laugh.
In 2018 he mailed out Christmas cards dressed as National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" character Uncle Eddie, sporting a robe and trapper hat in front of an RV.
"He was one the most genuine, fun-loving spirits who could spark a conversation with anyone and always would be the center of the party," Ryan Christy, a friend of Esparza's in the Army, posted to Facebook. "While also being someone a lot of us leaned on when we were struggling after losing MFO400R."
MFO400R was a 2020 Black Hawk helicopter operation in Egypt that resulted in a crash that killed seven, including five U.S. service members.
Esparza, whose residence is listed in Jackson, Missouri just north of Cape Girardeau, had six siblings.
"Zac lived his life to the fullest while defending his country and traveling the world. He passed away while doing what he loved most, flying his aircrafts," his sister, Rebecca Esparza, posted to Facebook. "Let's celebrate the light that Zac brought into our lives and learn to live how Zac lived â€" to its fullest."
I created this memorial on April 1, and it was taken away from me after my friends left nearly 100 flowers for CWO Esparza. Not sure why it was taken. Please send me a message if you are requesting a transfer. The number was memorial 251557674.
Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Esparza was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and from Missouri.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama. Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crash is still being investigated. Will update as soon as possible. The remains of all the soldiers killed in the crash have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware.
--
From the Fort Campbell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
--
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/funeral-for-zachary-esparza-today/
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. â€" A funeral for a service member and St. Louis native is today. It's for Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza â€" who was killed in last month's crash of two Black Hawk helicopters.
He was among nine soldiers who died when the two helicopters collided outside fort Campbell, Kentucky on March 29, during a military training exercise. Zach was 36 years old and a 2005 graduate of Bayless High School.
BURIAL:
His funeral is at 10:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Church in south county. Zachary Esparza will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Governor Mike Parson has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff Monday in Zach's memory.
--
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2023/04/01/zachary-esparza-killed-in-fort-campbell-helicopter-crash-remembered/70071728007/
Zachary Esparza's positive energy was infectious.
From his days at Bayless High School in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri State University, and throughout his 13-year military career, friends say Esparza's lively personality had a way of lighting up the room.
Esparza, one of the nine Army service members killed in Wednesday's Black Hawk helicopter crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was also a mentor-like figure among his peers.
The Chief Warrant Officer 2 started his military career as a satellite communications specialist before entering the Army Warrant Flight program in 2015, and became a MedEvac helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division and served throughout the world.
SON OF:
Esparza, 36, the son of former Bayless Board of Education member Misty Overstreet Esparza, had a wide spectrum of interests. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, an outdoorsman, snowboarder, and a self-proclaimed charcuterie board artist.
Among his greatest passions was making his loved ones laugh.
In 2018 he mailed out Christmas cards dressed as National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" character Uncle Eddie, sporting a robe and trapper hat in front of an RV.
"He was one the most genuine, fun-loving spirits who could spark a conversation with anyone and always would be the center of the party," Ryan Christy, a friend of Esparza's in the Army, posted to Facebook. "While also being someone a lot of us leaned on when we were struggling after losing MFO400R."
MFO400R was a 2020 Black Hawk helicopter operation in Egypt that resulted in a crash that killed seven, including five U.S. service members.
Esparza, whose residence is listed in Jackson, Missouri just north of Cape Girardeau, had six siblings.
"Zac lived his life to the fullest while defending his country and traveling the world. He passed away while doing what he loved most, flying his aircrafts," his sister, Rebecca Esparza, posted to Facebook. "Let's celebrate the light that Zac brought into our lives and learn to live how Zac lived â€" to its fullest."
Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza died this week when two Black Hawk helicopters crashed, during training exercises. Officer Esparza was with the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and from Missouri.
The crash is being investigated by an Army aviation safety team from Fort Rucker, Alabama. Burial details are unknown at this time, as the crash is still being investigated. Will update as soon as possible. The remains of all the soldiers killed in the crash have been transferred to Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware.
--
From the Fort Campbell, KY news line-
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is the only air assault division of the United States Army. Nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles," the 101st has consistently distinguished itself by demonstrating the highest standards of military professionalism since its activation at one minute after midnight, Aug. 16, 1942.
On Aug. 19 of that year, the first commander, Maj. Gen.William C. Lee, promised his new recruits that although the new division had no history, it would soon have a "rendezvous with destiny." As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy.
The 101st is recognized for its unmatched Air Assault capability, its ability to execute any combat or contingency mission anywhere in the world, and is still proving its mettle as "tomorrow's division in today's Army."
Read more of the history of 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on our Unit History page.
--
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/funeral-for-zachary-esparza-today/
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. â€" A funeral for a service member and St. Louis native is today. It's for Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Esparza â€" who was killed in last month's crash of two Black Hawk helicopters.
He was among nine soldiers who died when the two helicopters collided outside fort Campbell, Kentucky on March 29, during a military training exercise. Zach was 36 years old and a 2005 graduate of Bayless High School.
BURIAL:
His funeral is at 10:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Church in south county. Zachary Esparza will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Governor Mike Parson has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff Monday in Zach's memory.
--
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2023/04/01/zachary-esparza-killed-in-fort-campbell-helicopter-crash-remembered/70071728007/
Zachary Esparza's positive energy was infectious.
From his days at Bayless High School in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri State University, and throughout his 13-year military career, friends say Esparza's lively personality had a way of lighting up the room.
Esparza, one of the nine Army service members killed in Wednesday's Black Hawk helicopter crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was also a mentor-like figure among his peers.
The Chief Warrant Officer 2 started his military career as a satellite communications specialist before entering the Army Warrant Flight program in 2015, and became a MedEvac helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division and served throughout the world.
SON OF:
Esparza, 36, the son of former Bayless Board of Education member Misty Overstreet Esparza, had a wide spectrum of interests. He was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, an outdoorsman, snowboarder, and a self-proclaimed charcuterie board artist.
Among his greatest passions was making his loved ones laugh.
In 2018 he mailed out Christmas cards dressed as National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation" character Uncle Eddie, sporting a robe and trapper hat in front of an RV.
"He was one the most genuine, fun-loving spirits who could spark a conversation with anyone and always would be the center of the party," Ryan Christy, a friend of Esparza's in the Army, posted to Facebook. "While also being someone a lot of us leaned on when we were struggling after losing MFO400R."
MFO400R was a 2020 Black Hawk helicopter operation in Egypt that resulted in a crash that killed seven, including five U.S. service members.
Esparza, whose residence is listed in Jackson, Missouri just north of Cape Girardeau, had six siblings.
"Zac lived his life to the fullest while defending his country and traveling the world. He passed away while doing what he loved most, flying his aircrafts," his sister, Rebecca Esparza, posted to Facebook. "Let's celebrate the light that Zac brought into our lives and learn to live how Zac lived â€" to its fullest."
Gravesite Details
Services 4/17/2023
