Tulsa World: BA soldier dies in Humvee accident

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BA soldier dies in Humvee accident
He was 19 years old and less than 3 weeks from coming home.

DEDICATED
Stephen Zapasnik: He joined the Army at 17 and wanted to go to Iraq more than anything, his mother says.

By KELLY HINES World Staff Writer
Published: 12/26/2008 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 12/26/2008 2:29 AM

BROKEN ARROW — A 19-year-old from Broken Arrow was one of three soldiers killed in a vehicle accident in Iraq on Wednesday.

The soldiers, all assigned to the Iraq Multi-National Division Center, died in the accident in southern Iraq, according to an Army news release.

While their names have not been released by the Department of Defense, one of the victims was Cpl. Stephen Zapasnik, according to his mother, Chris Zapasnik.

Stephen Zapasnik and the other two men were riding in a Humvee when part of the road collapsed, their company commander told Zapasnik's mother.

The Humvee rolled into a canal, and all three men were dead when they were pulled from the water several minutes later.

Stationed in Fort Carson, Colo., Zapasnik was in the Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment.

He joined the Army when he was 17 and did his basic training at Fort Sill, Chris Zapasnik said. More than anything, he wanted to fight in Iraq.

"He just said, 'Mom, I need to go over there and take care of things, because if I don't, who else will?' " his mother said.

Stephen Zapasnik's parents last spoke with their son Dec. 17, when he called to check on his father, Gary Zapasnik, who is in the hospital. The father has had various medical problems this year.

Stephen Zapasnik was scheduled to come home for his mid-tour leave Jan. 15, but because of his father's condition, he could have returned early.

"I was afraid if I did (have

him come home) that I would wreck his rhythm over there and cause him to get hurt," Chris Zapasnik said.

On Christmas Eve, 20 days before they expected to see their son again, the Zapasniks learned of his death when Army representatives arrived at their Broken Arrow home.

Because the men were wearing Army dress greens, Zapasnik's mother instantly knew her son was dead.

The family always knew there was a good chance that he would lose his life in Iraq.

"He said, 'Mom, if I ever don't come back, you know I will always be with you, and I will be with Jesus, and I will be fine,' " Chris Zapasnik said. "I know that he's perfectly safe and spending Christmas up there with Jesus."

Services have not been set, but Zapasnik will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, his mother said.

Kelly Hines 581-8408
kelly.hines@tulsaworld.com By KELLY HINES World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Have that, America (12/26/2008 2:00:24 PM) Please respect those who have faught and died for a cause they believe in. Don't discount their lives because you believe in something different. Thank you Cpl. Zapasnik for defending our freedoms & being a part of something greater than yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
	Report Comment thinker, (12/26/2008 8:55:53 PM) God Bless his family and honor his life and what he BELIEVED in.....these people are protecting your right to believe and say and feel what you want. Thank you for your sacrifice.

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