SSG Zachary Polka

SSG Zachary Polka passed away in a tragic car accident in Texas November 27, 2020. He was 36 years old.

Zach was born June 17, 1984 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Carlisle High School and Drake University. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. He was very adventurous and enjoyed all types of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. He liked to play video games, card games, and you could always find him taking pictures of everyone and everything. But most of all he enjoyed doing things with his family, like coaching Kiley’s soccer team.

On February 4, 2002 Zach enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard and served with the 3654th Maintenance Company for 9 years. SSG Polka transferred to the 135th Public Affairs Detachment in 2011, where he reclassified as a 46R Public Affairs Broadcast Specialist. In 2014, he transferred to the Texas Army National Guard and the 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

While in the 100th MPAD, SSG Polka mobilized in support of numerous national and international missions such as Operation Saber Junction, Operation Swift Response, Operation Saber Strike and Operation Vibrant Response. In the summer of 2017, he mobilized in support of the Hurricane Harvey response. He volunteered to mobilize in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Guantanamo Bay and spent 18 months in rigorous training preparing for this deployment. SSG Polka joined the Recruiting and Retention Battalion Marketing team in late 2019 and has served both the MPAD and the Recruiting and Retention mission since.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (Posthumously), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component’s Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Texas Adjutant General’s Individual Award, and the Texas Humanitarian Service Ribbon.

Zach is survived by his wife, Misty Polka; daughter, Kiley Polka; son, Lucas Polka; parents, William and Brendie Polka; sister, Makayla Polka; grandfather, Paul Polka; grandmother, Wendy Scharlau; aunt, Patty (Bob) Youngman; uncles, Michael (Lena) Polka, Daniel (Teri) Polka, Marty (Lori) Polka, and Weston (Cindy) Scharlau; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Zach was predeceased by his biological mother, Michelle Breeding; grandmother, Doris Polka; grandfather, Walter Scharlau; and aunt Mary Angela Polka.
Public visitation will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, in West Des Moines, IA. Burial will take place at a later date at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed toward his children’s education fund.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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