Zachary Strass

Zachary Nicholas Strass was born to Heléne (Szemereta) Strass and Alan Strass in Gainesville, Florida July 5, 1984. He spent the majority of his childhood in Downingtown, Pennsylvania with his family, including his sisters Sarah and Katie, and their dogs, Annie, Shadow, and Paladin.

Zack attended Virginia Tech where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2008. He also attended Missouri University of Science and Technology where he completed his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering in 2014. Zack was a licensed Professional Engineer having passed his PE exam in October, 2015.

Captain Zachary Strass received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps on May 8, 2008. He originally enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard on February 13, 2004 as an 11B infantryman and severed in the 1st BN, 116th IN REG, 29th IN DIV. Upon commissioning into the regular army, CPT Strass was assigned to the 29th EN Company, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he served as a Combat Engineer Platoon Leader for 24 months. CPT Strass deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq in 2009 where he conducted route clearance operations in support of US Forces North.  Upon redeployment, he was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment of the 1st HBCT, 1st AD as the operations officer for 8 months. CPT Strass was then assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, as the Deputy Group Engineer where he served for 25 months. CPT Strass supported the Group’s engineer requirements throughout its Area of Responsibility, including Washington, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Australia. He deployed with 2nd BN, SFG (A) to Helmand, Afghanistan where he served as the Special Operations Task Force (Southwest) Engineer. CPT Strass was the company commander for F Company, 2nd Battalion 13th Infantry Regiment from January 2015 until November 2015. He was responsible for the planning, coordinating, execution, and supervision of the training and transformation of 240 trainees into Soldiers every 12 weeks. He spent countless hours at ranges and training events entrusted with the care and welfare of his trainees and cadre members under his command.

His awards include two Bronze Stars, three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Commendation Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Metal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Service Ribbon with ISAF device, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Australian Parachutist Badge, and the Steel De Fleury Medal.

When he wasn’t serving his country, Zack was an avid traveler, having visited 30 states and 16 countries. He enjoyed downhill skiing, and has tried his skill at mountains around the world. He was also a prolific reader and news junky, preferring military history and political biographies. Zack relished being well informed and debate. He was also a lover of pets, and would quickly befriend and rename many a friends’ dog or cat.

Zack died in his apartment in Colombia, South Carolina on March 7th, 2016. He had just returned from two months of traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. He was planning on moving back to Seattle and finding a job in construction management. Zack separated from active duty service on February 13, 2016 and had signed up with the Army Reserve in Washington.

A funeral will be held at OUR LADY OF THE CHESPEAKE in PASADENA, MARYLAND at 10 AM on November 28th, 2016. Reception at the church hall to follow. Zack will be buried with Full Honors at ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY the following day on November 29th. Please arrive at Arlington by noon for the 1 PM burial. Refreshments to follow.

The Strass family is requesting in lieu of flowers that any donations be made to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) non-profit organization in the memory of Captain Zachary Strass. This can be done via the website: https://www.taps.org/Tribute/

Friends, fellow soldiers, and family are highly encouraged to share a favorite memory of Zack. Stories can be shared via the Guest Book/Condolences link on the McCully-Polyniak Funeral Home website or privately via his sister Katie at katie.strass@gmail.com. The stories will be compiled for his immediate family and available for sharing (unless requested otherwise) at the reception.