Zachary’s Heart: A Legacy of Love and Support for Army Families

In times of loss, it’s often the love and memories we hold dear that inspire us to create something meaningful, something that continues the legacy of those we cherish. Zachary’s Heart is one such creation, born from the deep love of a family for their son, Private First Class Zachary Bates, and their desire to support Army families in need.

Zachary Bates grew up with a passion for the Army. From playing with GI Joes as a child to running through the backyard in a ghillie suit as a teenager, his love for the military was evident from a young age. But beyond his passion for the Army, Zachary was known for his golden heart, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others. It was this combination of love for the Army and care for others that led his family to establish Zachary’s Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Army families during some of their most challenging times.

The Inspiration Behind Zachary’s Heart

Zachary enlisted in the Army in 2016 and went to Fort Benning for his training. Like many families new to military life, Zachary’s parents, Tim and Julie Bates found themselves navigating an unfamiliar world, searching for any information that might bring them comfort as their son embarked on his journey. They discovered a support group, which they later managed, growing it from 1,100 members to over 36,000. This community became a vital source of support, not just for Zachary’s family but for thousands of other Army families.

In January 2017, Zachary completed his training and graduated as a U.S. Army Infantryman. Despite financial constraints, his family managed to save enough to travel to Georgia for his graduation. It was a moment of immense pride, but also one tinged with sadness as they saw many Soldiers without loved ones present to share in their achievement. The thought of families unable to witness such a significant milestone due to financial barriers weighed heavily on their hearts.

In 2019, the Bates family tragically lost Zachary unexpectedly. To honor him as the person he was, they started Zachary’s Heart. Their primary mission is to give financial assistance to new Army Families to attend their loved one’s graduation at Fort Benning. Whether it is travel, lodging, or food assistance they are there to give support to those families in need to continue to honor Zachary and the type of person he was.

Driven by their experience and the memory of Zachary’s compassionate spirit, Zachary’s Heart was established to help other Army families in similar situations. The organization’s mission is to ensure that no soldier has to celebrate their accomplishments alone due to financial hardship.

Supporting Army Families in Need

Since its official founding in 2022, Zachary’s Heart has been committed to providing financial assistance to families who may not have the means to attend their Soldier’s Family Day or Graduation ceremonies at Fort Benning. The organization offers help with various expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, taxis, food, and gift cards, allowing families to be present for these significant moments in their Soldiers’ lives.

Continuing Zachary’s Legacy

Zachary’s Heart is more than just a nonprofit; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the impact one person can have on countless lives. For the Bates family, it’s a way to honor Zachary’s memory by helping others, just as he would have done.

The journey of an Army family is filled with both challenges and triumphs, and Zachary’s Heart is there to ensure that no family has to face those challenges alone. Whether it’s a helping hand during a difficult time or the chance to witness a soldier’s proudest moment, Zachary’s Heart is dedicated to making sure that Army families feel supported and valued.

As the organization continues to grow, so too does its impact, reaching more families and providing them with the resources they need to be there for their soldiers. Zachary’s legacy of love, compassion, and service lives on in every act of kindness made possible through Zachary’s Heart.

For more information on Zachary’s Heart and how you can support their mission, visit their website or follow them on social media. Together, we can ensure that every Army family has the opportunity to share in their Soldier’s journey, just as Zachary would have wanted.