Brian Leonel Zacherl
In Loving Memory
U.S. Army Specialist Brian Leonel Zacherl, 29, of Ft. Collins, Colorado, died in the line of duty on December 3, 2025, while courageously volunteering with the International Legion of the Defence of Ukraine, in fighting against the Russian invasion.
Beyond measure, Brian lived up to his name. He, like his namesake, was lionhearted and kind. He was a proud American. He followed in his father's footsteps, a U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel, by serving his country with courage. Brian died defending democracy and freedom, ideals shared by America and Ukraine.
Born on August 21, 1996, in New Bern, North Carolina, Brian was the beloved son of Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian J. Zacherl and Leila M. Campos-Moya.
Brian is survived and missed by his loving wife Kimberly (née Martin) of five years; and his children, Victor and Elias; his loving mother Leila M. Campos-Moya and her partner Dave Clarke and his loving father Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Brian J. Zacherl and his wife Ann Nyman Zacherl. Brian is also survived and missed by his loving sisters Elise, Tansy, Kylie and brothers Ben, Jake, Taylor, and Max.
Brian’s memory will be cherished by the Campos-Moya, Zacherl, Clarke, and Martin families; his lifelong best friend Amy Day; his fratres Lauren Rhyne and Dean Balter; and a host of other fratres, family, and friends. Brian moved to Wexford, Republic of Ireland as a child, where he spent his formative years and was lovingly raised by his mother and her partner Dave Clarke, alongside his sister Elise. He grew up immersed in Irish culture and developed an empathy for the social good and deep appreciation for freedom and a strong sense of duty. After graduating from Christian Brothers Secondary School, he felt a calling to return to the United States and serve in the U.S. military.
Brian enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the infantry and as a paratrooper in the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, completing a combat tour in Afghanistan, and was stationed in Fort Bragg (North Carolina) and in Germany. He served with distinction and was known for his bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his fellow service members. He became brothers by heart with Ukrainian soldiers when the U.S. Army was training with the Ukrainian Army. In 2022, he learned that several of his Ukrainian brothers had been killed on the battlefield after the full-scale Russian invasion. His unwavering loyalty drew him and he joined the International Legion, to fight courageously alongside Ukrainian forces. He served as a Special Activities Team Leader, and specialized in intelligence gathering and direct action. He contributed to defense strategies within the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence International Legion.
Brian’s life was a testament to his belief in principles he held dear. He leaves us a legacy of true friendship and military heroism, to build upon, and a vision to continually pursue and restore the good for our broader communities.
Brian brought us joy and we loved him well. He enjoyed reading, art, photography, music, and being outdoors. He was a great cook and particularly enjoyed Mexican, Asian, Indian, and Georgian cuisines. He was a polyglot, fluent in English, Spanish, German, Ukrainian, and Russian. He will forever be remembered for his sense of wonder, infectious personality, courage, selflessness, and the profound impact he had on all who knew him.
His memory will always be a blessing.