MIDVALE, UT, U.S.A.
U.S. AIR FORCE
SSG
10/13/2013, ELLSWORTH AFB, SD
SSG Zackary Skyler Barton “Charlie” was born October 29, 1989 in Murray, Utah to Gary Alan and Ina Christine (Allen-Leone) Barton, the second of three sons.
Zack attended schools in West Jordan, and graduated from Itineris Early College High School in a curriculum for advanced students. He was an exceptionally bright and gifted student. Zack earned honors throughout his school years. At the age of fifteen, he was accepted to the RMTS Summer Institute at the University of Denver to attend college level courses for intensive summer study. Zack was also invited to the Utah Awards Ceremony in recognition for his exceptional score on the ACT.
Zack always wanted to be in the Air Force. Upon graduating high school in 2008, he joined the Air Force. During his career, Zack was an honor graduate in basic training. Zack’s first assignment was to Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. Following Malmstrom, he received orders to Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, where he served in various positions from Aircraft Parts Store Technician to Chief Inspector of Supply. Zack was the recipient of the John Levitow award for being the top graduate of his Airman Leadership School, served a tour in Qatar, earned a CCAF degree, and was second in his class graduating from a Manpower Training course in Mississippi.
In addition, Zack supported Operation Odyssey Dawn by providing aircraft spares for the first B-1B combat strikes ever launched from the United States. SSG Barton’s decorations include the Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. As an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, Zack’s shoes were always shined, his uniform always pressed, and he always stood tall.
Though his life was short, Zack led a full life and had an extraordinary journey in the span of it. He was amazingly brilliant and wonderful, always in control, bold, reserved, honest and forthright; and handy – he could fix anything with duct tape. He excelled at bowling, and loved to hunt. He was always tinkering with his golf game, and was starting to shoot bogie scores. He was a Seahawks’ fan through and through, and for grandpa Leone, pulled for the Dodgers.
Those Zack left behind are his wife, Amber, son, Aiden, two stepsons, Hunter and Gage, his parents, Gary and Christi, brothers, Christopher and Tanner, grandparents Sam and Jean Leone, LeRoy and Ruth Allen, niece, Khaia, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
“Zack’s final flight arrived home Tuesday, October 22, 2013.
SSG Barton is pictured here with his son Aiden.