In the middle of gunnery, when the tempo is high and expectations are higher, life doesn’t pause. For one tanker, Spec. Ethan Zook, Second Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, the fight became personal. He spoke to Crista Mack, Fort Bliss Garrison Public Affairs, that during the peak of training, he received the kind of call no one is ever ready for—the loss of his father. In an instant, the focus shifted from the range to home. He stepped away from the tank, from his crew, and from the mission to be with his family. But being a Soldier doesn’t end when hardship begins. After honoring his father, he returned back to the noise of the engine, the weight of responsibility, and the crew that had been...
Taken: 03.13.2026 | Video by Crista Mack
