Community Corner

Changed by 9/11: Keith Zeier, Soldier

A look at locals that were some how affected by the terrorist attacks 10 years ago.

Once Keith Zeier is fixed on completing a task, he goes full force. He wanted to be the best soccer player he could, and by the time he graduated from Sachem High School, he had that reputation.

So good, that he gave up a professional soccer contract offer to play in Holland, so he could join the United States Marines and honor his country and FDNY Lt. John Crisci, the father of his friend Mike, who died during the attacks on Sept. 11.

Zeier was riding in a Humvee when an improvised explosive device changed his life forever. He endured a leg injury, which at first left him with a 12-inch scar. By 2011 he had the leg amputated and is currently rehabbing at Brooke Medical Center in San Antonio.

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He estimates he’ll be up and running at some point in 2012, running being the key. Prior to losing his leg, Zeier ran the Florid Keys 100, a 100-mile race, to raise money for the Special Operations Wounded Warriors Foundation. He also ran the New York City Marathon with a 50-pound rucksack on his back.

To say Zeier is a just solider and a patriot is an understatement. He’s an American hero.

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Last year Sachem Patch featured a four-part series about Zeier's journey. To recap those stories, check them out here: , , and .


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