FINNEY COUNTY —A southwest Kansas man is another casualty of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
On their social media page, the Garden City airport shared the news of the death of Zach Scheiman who worked at the airport since 2014.
"We are truly heartbroken with the loss of our colleague and top notch air traffic controller Zach Scheiman. Zach was killed in action in Stepnohirsk, Ukraine while serving with the Ukrainian Special Forces."
"Zach spent many days in his youth in Garden City, taking pictures of aircraft, helping with events, and observing his father Mike in the air traffic control tower."
"As an adult, Zach served in the US Air Force at Altus AFB, Mildenhall RAF, England, Iraq, Qatar and Eglin AFB. Zach came back to Garden City as an air traffic controller for the past 11 years."
"Zach was always an inspiration to the school kids that would tour the tower. He was patient and helpful with student pilots over the air and in person when they visited the tower."
"Zach volunteered his time in the community serving on the local arts board and presenting on the air traffic control field at local career fairs. He also devoted much time to producing recitals and shows, like The Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz, for a local dance studio."
"Zach built kids games for the Art in the Park festival and volunteered his off-duty time to setting up, working, and tearing down the Tumbleweed Music Festival."
"Zach was a lover of aviation and animals, rescuing and adopting many animals himself. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made in Zach's honor with the Wings of Rescue, which provides transportation for animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas."