Tech Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, was a native of Oviedo, Florida. On Sept. 3, 2013, Zach entered active duty and served as a Medical Operations Flight Chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Zach distinguished himself with honors throughout multiple training pipelines, including earning Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training and Honor Graduate in the Independent Duty Medical Technician program. Additionally, he earned Senior Airman below the zone. 

Dedicated to his craft, Zach earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Allied Health Sciences in 2022. Additionally, he contributed to multiple unit awards, including the 2016 Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Award and 2019 Air Force Medical Service Medic Rodeo Team of the Year.

As the Medical Operations Flight Chief, he created emergency response plans for five combatant commands, conducted pre-deployment site surveys and established medical evacuation protocols, supported the health sustainment of 1,000 personnel, and generated eight overseas operations.

“Zach was a compassionate medic with a steadfast devotion to supporting the needs of those around him,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Pellegrino, 1st Special Operations Squadron commander. “He never stopped smiling and genuinely cared for his teammates. Zach quickly made friends and sought new experiences, often accompanied by his dog, truck, and friends. Zach treasured his fiancé, parents, and brother dearly, sharing stories with them no matter where he was. His eternal presence will forever be in the hearts of those he loved.”

Prior to his assignment at Kadena Air Base, Zach was assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. In 2016, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’s SENTINEL.

During his career, Zach was recognized with the Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster. 

Project Lavoy

Project Lavoy won AFWERX’s 2024 Spark Tank. These kits will be crucial in improving field blood transfusions (something that Zach was very passionate about) across the AFSOC enterprise. They will be hitting the shelves of AFSOC units within the coming weeks.