Laugh harder than you should, it feels good,” he wrote in a letter postmarked Nov. 17. “Remember, sometimes a sunset is enough to fix a lousy day. When everything stinks, go for a jog to remind yourself you can still run.”
— Cpl Kolda in his last letter home
As a kid I was absolutely enamored by Zak and his older brother Ian. Both so tall, so handsome, and such great guys… To be fair Zak was a good 7 years older than me and I was rather short so everyone was tall to me! Fast forward to my sophomore year in high school, Zak was a reservist in the United States Marine Corps while studying at the University of Texas. Rather than start his last year at UT, his reserve battalion deployed in August of 2004. At the beginning of December my mother called to say Zak had been killed in action. Zak put others first even if it meant going without. He motivated and inspired others around him even when deep down he knew his fate, and he fought till the end.
Cpl Kolda was the first member of his battalion to be killed in Iraq. Since then, the Marines of the 1/23 have kept his memory alive in so many ways.
I remember my first ball at 1/23 H&S/Alpha Co. in Houston, I looked up on the screen during dinner and saw Zak’s face. It had been years since I had seen his grin. Knowing the Marine Corps continued to honor Zak brought so many people that loved him comfort…
The next year I was walking down a hallway at 1/23 H&S/Alpha Co. and I looked up and saw a small and faded photo of Zak. At the moment, I looked around and realized I was standing in a hallway that pays tribute to all of the Marines from the 1/23 that died during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). I was taken back, and at a loss for words. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) was shocked I recognized a photo in that hallway and when I told him who Zak was to me and my family he explained to me Zak was apart of Weapons Co. out of Austin. Weapons Co. is part of his battalion, the 1st Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment (1/23). Every time I have walked in that building I have known that Zak is watching over every Marine there.
Dedicating a scholarship in his name doesn’t do him justice, but it does change the life of a Marine for the better. I know that is something Zak would have supported.
Written by Christina Pacheco
The Cpl Kolda Scholarship will be awarded to Reserve Marines that echo the leadership traits and drive that Cpl Kolda and Sgt Patel possessed.
Cpl Kolda & the 1/23
Cpl Kolda's Memorial at Haditha Dam - Al Anbar, Iraq Dec. 2004 (Both photos)
Remembering Zak
“Let me start by saying that Zak was the finest Marine I’ve ever known.
I don’t say that because he was my best friend. I say it because he was extremely devoted to the Marine Corps and to being the best Marine he could be. As with every aspect of his life, he tried his hardest and was not happy until he knew he had given his best. Every problem, every task, it was obvious when Cpl Kolda was on the job.
With his strict devotion he was able to seamlessly combine a great sense of humor. Having a sense of humor in the military makes life a lot easier, and Zak was always able to put a smile on his fellow Marines’ faces. He didn’t do it for popularity. He did it to make those around him happy and he did it because he cared. Those who were lucky enough to be under his command knew him as a commander who would do anything he could to make their lives better. Because he set such a good example for his fellow Marines, he expected the best out of them, and he got it. The Marine Corps has suffered a great loss in losing Zak, but he will always be remembered, and he will always be missed.”
— LCpl Luke Iverson
Luke was a close friend from Corpus Christi and was on the same patrol when Zak was killed.
“I want to express my gratitude for the chance to serve with one of the greatest Marine's I know.
My time was short with Kolda, but plenty long enough to know that he was going to be a great Marine and a great leader. Watching Kolda come up in the Marines is kind of like watching a little brother grow up. I am sure that when I say what I am about to say, I am expressing the feelings of all my fellow Marines. We have lost a brother.
— Cpl Jonathon J Stone
“Cpl Zachary Kolda was admired and respected by his fellow Marines. He was always striving to make things better, putting others before himself, truly selfless.
His example will fuel the fires of our work here and he will be emulated many times over by his peers. I have been on patrol with Col Kolda several times. He was a rare warrior who could be stern, disciplined and yet still pass out candy to children while we were in the city. A truly unique young man who embodied all it is to be a Marine.”
— An excerpt from a letter to Zak’s parents from Maj. Russell
“Cpl Kolda was well respected for his technical expertise on our weapons systems and his knowledge of vehicle-mounted tactics.
That along with his infectious outgoing nature endeared Cpl Kolda to all of us here at Weapons Company. His leadership, knowledge, and mostly his friendly spirit will be sorely missed.
— Excerpt from letter to Zak’s parents from 1st Sgt Miller
“Zach was an outstanding Marine. We went to boot camp together, and later to the School of Infantry. We helped each other through the long days.
I will never forget the great times Zach and I had at the reserve unit and in the field. We were practically brothers, always trying to be the best Marines we could be. Zach was always a motivating individual. He always took care of his Marines and made sure they were held to a high standard. He made me push myself to be better. The Corps has lost one of its best. I will never forget your sacrifice Zach. You have returned to God, but your heroic actions will be with us forever.”
— Cpl Altaf Bora