SGT Zachary McBride ~ Farewell and Walk with God

SGT Zachary McBride

Died January 9, 2008 - Iraq

SGT Zachary McBride, 20, is a son of our town - an Oregonian from Bend. SGT McBride lost his life on January 9, 2008 in Sinsil, Iraq. Six soldiers were killed in a house rigged with explosives. Four soldiers were wounded in the attack. SGT McBride served with the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division of Vilseck, Germany. His promotion to Sergeant was a postumous honor.

SGT McBride graduated from Mountain View High School in 2005. He was known for being 'incredibly intelligent, witty and equally comfortable playing with little kids or discussing politics.' His friend Erin Davis remembers, "He was so passionate about joining the Army, and serving his country, which is why this is so bittersweet. He was very quiet," Davis wrote, "but to see him smile, was the best thing in the world."

Zach belonged to Eastmont Church in Bend, where his father is the worship pastor. He participated in the church's youth group and traveled on several mission trips, including one to Ireland.

Zach is survived by his parents, Marshall and Laura, and his sister, Sarah, of Bend, Oregon. The McBride family moved to Bend in 2002 from Oak Harbor, Washington.

Service Information:

Memorial Service - Saturday, January 19, 1pm, Eastmont Church, Bend, Oregon

Updated Information for Memorial Service - Due to the limited space at the Eastmont Church, the Oregon National Guard Armory located at 875 SW Simpson, Bend, Ore. will be used to accommodate the overflow from the Church service. The service will be simulcast from the Eastmont Church to the Armory location. Doors will open at 11 a.m. at the Armory. Point of contact for additional information is Capt. Sean Nixon @ 541-383-0954, ext. 1373.

Visitation - Friday, January 18, 2-5pm and 6-8pm. Community members wanting to pay their respects are urged to attend the visitations, as there is limited seating in the church and should be reserved for family and friends.

Internment - Sunday, January 20, 12 noon, at Willamette National Cemetery. Full military honors will be performed by the Military Funeral Honors Team from the Oregon National Guard.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be escorting Zach when he arrives at the Roberts Airfield on the 17th and through each stage of the services and internment.

Also killed in the attack were:

Spc. Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Missouri

Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, 30, of Rutherford, Tennesse

Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, 29, of Reno, Neveda

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk, 30, of Superior, Wisconsin

Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders, 22, of Roswell, NewMexico