Soldier killed in Iraq kept fighting after shooting (Tissue Alert!)

WKRC ^ | 2/11/05

[areafiftyone]

OTTAWA, Ohio (AP) - A soldier who grew up in northwest Ohio has been killed in Iraq.

Sergeant Zachary Wobler was a 1998 graduate of Ottawa-Glandorf High School.

His father says he died Sunday during a firefight with insurgents.

His father says that despite being shot several times, Wobler shot and killed the car's driver and fought on even as he was being put on a stretcher.

Wobler was a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

He leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter.

[areafiftyone]

I don't usually post stuff like this but this story really got to me!

[MTD]

I have a love/hate reaction to the story... the bravery, dedication and will of the soldier is staggering... the part I hate is the 3 year-old daughter.

[theDentist]

Where do we find such noble men?

[astounded]

The part I hate is the raghead bastards...

[ElPatriota]

Why don't we point this story to someone in Fox, and maybe ask for some contributions for the little girl? - A story like this should interest them.

[MTD]

"The part I hate is the raghead bastards..."

that goes without saying...

[VA_Gentleman]

Where do we find such noble men?

In America!

[mark502inf]

The guy was a stud. Here's a letter from one of his men:

Zach was a Scout Team leader, and I was his sniper. He was Ranger and Jumpmaster qual'd. He was also Division Trooper of the year when he was an E3 or E4, for the 82nd Airborne. He was far and away the best marksman in the battalion, beating out all the snipers. He served a year on the first deployment and about 2 1/2 months on this one. He had also been through SERE school. As an NCO he was the epitomy of technical and Tactical proficiency. He always put his men first, and took care of our needs, boith professionally and personally. He was my mentor, like my older brother. He will be sorely missed by all the scouts as well as the rest of our battalion.

Sincerely,

SPC(P) Ryan Juliano

SSG Wobler and his daughter.

Staff Sergeant Wobler is in the back on the right with Santa's blonde helper. That's Specialist Juliano who wrote the letter on the right front.

[areafiftyone]

Oh thanks so much for the pictures. God bless them all!

[BossLady]

You were right.....double hankie alert!

Thanks for posting the story about this brave and wonderful young man.

[areafiftyone]

This one just got to me. I had a lump in my throat when I read it. I cry when I read them all but this one stood out.

[SeeRushToldU_So]

You were right, it is a tear jecker.

I hope his family will be OK in time.

[mark502inf]

For your ping list. This man was the 82d Airborne paratrooper of the year a few years back. He was on his second in Iraq. After getting riddled with bullets from six insurgents in a car, he continued fighting and killed the driver of the car before he died of his wounds. Another one of our best.

[injin]

In the very best traditions of the 82nd Airborne.
You know what gets me? Incredible stories like these are found
now across that nation in the media of the communities who
more directly experience the loss. The big news outfits no longer carry these details. My hat comes off to Free Republic
members that make Free Republic for all the many stories like these. Otherwise , we would never know. Thanks....

[BossLady]

I agree....some days you read a story and you just can't help but break down. You realize the sacrifice these brave soldiers are making for you and your family's benefit and you feel unworthy at times.

Prayers for all of our soldiers.....

[areafiftyone]

You are quite welcome! And you are correct that they are only reported in their local papers.

[Danae]

God bless him and his family.

To the Warrior class: We will strive to be worthy of you. Thank you!

[Calpernia]

A soldier who grew up in northwest Ohio has been killed in Iraq.

Sergeant Zachary Wobler was a 1998 graduate of Ottawa-Glandorf High School.

[infowarrior]

Where do we find such noble men?

They are all around us... He is the snot-nosed kid who periodically chucked your paper into the bushes, a few years back. He is the "young punk" hanging around with his friends at the local mall, a year or two after he graduated high school... He is our sons, our brothers, our husbands, and as they story all too tragically connotes, our fathers as well... He is the American male, and although bruised, battered and bloodied by those who constantly denigrate him, still stands tall, and antes up like a man when the chips are down, and the stakes all too high...

the infowarrior

[infowarrior]

Where do we find such noble men?

They are all around us... He is the snot-nosed kid who periodically chucked your paper into the bushes, a few years back. He is the "young punk" hanging around with his friends at the local mall, a year or two after he graduated high school... He is our sons, our brothers, our husbands, and as they story all too tragically connotes, our fathers as well... He is the American male, and although bruised, battered and bloodied by those who constantly denigrate him, still stands tall, and antes up like a man when the chips are down, and the stakes all too high...

the infowarrior