SFC Zachary Allan Bannister, 33, of Ohio was killed in the line of duty on October 17, 2016, while serving as a member of Alpha 3236, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Kenya.  

He was the grandson of NIFMSE co-founder Jim Bannister.

He had served 14 years in the military with the Marines and the U.S. Army.  As a Marine, he was stationed as an air-rescue firefighter at Marine Hdqtrs, Quantico VA. At age 26, he left the Marines to become a member of the Special Forces. 

While serving two tours in Afghanistan, he was awarded three bronze stars, one with the Valor designation, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and numerous unit and personal decorations.  

Survivors include his wife, Lindsay Albea Bannister; parents Scott and Kimberly Bannister; sister Anna Rachel McKean; grandparents James & Marisa Bannister; Linda Bannister and Carolyn Arthur; and in-laws Greg and Julie Albea.  

Messages to the family may be sent to: 4140 Bulrush Lane, Kiawah Island, SC 29455-5437 or email: Jim@Bannister.com.