printer-friendly  |  e-mail this story

National

Ex-reservist gave his life helping to rebuild Iraq

Robert Zangas, 44, returned after nine months with Marines

Mike Crissey
Associated Press
March 13, 2004

PITTSBURGH _ Robert Zangas believed so deeply in helping to rebuild Iraq that three months after coming home from a nine-month stint there in a Marine Corps Reserve unit, he decided to return -- as a civilian.

Zangas, 44, was one of three civilians killed Tuesday after several gunmen posing as Iraqi police officers stopped their vehicle at a makeshift checkpoint near the town of Hillah, about 35 miles south of Baghdad.

Zangas and a second victim, Fern Holland, were the first U.S. civilians working for the U.S. occupation authority to be killed in Iraq. Their translator, who was not identified, also was killed.

Zangas' wife, Brenda Zangas, said much of the work her husband was doing for the Coalition Provisional Authority mirrored what he did with the Marines last year. He was a reserve lieutenant colonel with the Marine Corps 4th Civil Affairs Group.

"He did everything from getting the media up and running to going out and buying sandals for kids. He was highly regarded by the Iraqis," Brenda Zangas said. "He was helping people and that was his thing. I know he believed in what he was doing over there was the right thing to do."

Zangas, a salesman in civilian life, had traveled the globe as part of a Marine family. His father and older brother also were Marines, said his sister, Patricia Black, of Woodbridge, Va. Although he would likely call Manassas, Va., his home, he graduated from the American School of Isfahan in Iran in 1978, Brenda Zangas said.

Money Saving Coupons Save money by using coupons from local retailers and grocery coupons from major brands. Visit SpokesmanReview.com/coupons where great savings are waiting for you. Online Coupons   Lil' Ones Annual A keepsake special section that parents and grandparents can treasure for a lifetime. The Lil' Ones Annual provides a perfect opportunity to cherish and share your precious little one. Lil' Ones Annual   Home Services Thinking about remodeling your house, building a deck, or finishing your basement? See our Home Services Directory to find a professional. Home Services   Auto Review Online View the new and used inventory of the areas biggest car dealers. www.autoreviewonline.com