Gregory Francis Zavota

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by David Smith on October 18, 2007:

I know I am not alone in feeling floored by this right now. Greg was one of the treasured few highlights of Plebe year for me; he was my roomate and best friend starting in August 2001 when we moved into Macarthur Barracks. I have no idea what he thought of me when we first started out, but I can remember my first impressions of him. He was very strong and a stand out athlete, concerned himself with every detail of the room's appearance, and had the most distinct New England accent I had ever heard; I on the other hand came close to failing Gymnastics, routinely had my bed flipped by my superiors, and was from the South. There were some similarities--to name a few we each had a girlfriend in Virginia, constantly listened to music(on headphones because we weren't supposed to), and were both willing to make light of the entire situation we found ourselves in--and these were enough to make us close friends. We helped each other with schoolwork, looked out for each other out in the company area and in the dining hall, and at the end of the day were willing to just talk to each other about everything. We were often called on by the upperclassmen to put together humorous skits for the company's safety briefs. Greg was always willing to make people laugh and I can remember those happy times demonstrating proper buddy techniques in various "night out" scenarios to D4 in the quad before long weekends. Greg pushed me to improve in everything--he was a great student who excelled in all three pillars at school. His work ethic was always on display whether it was pulling an all-nighter before tests or going to the gym for hours at a time. Being around Greg you had the feeling that you were falling behind because he was constantly in motion working on something. This made me push myself in all areas just to try and keep up; but if you knew Greg you knew there was no way to do so. To Mr. and Mrs. Zavota, I am so sorry. I can't begin to tell you how much you guys meant to me helping me through those years at school. You were always willing to take me into your home or provide a meal on weekends when you visited. I was blessed to know your son and to know you. I wish there was a way to ease your pain right now but the only thing I know to do is let you know how much your son meant to me. To Greg, we made it through the bad times and the good, and I'd give anything to do it all over with you. I wish I could see you again. Be thou at Peace.

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