Master Sgt. Art Lilley aka NC_Zuk killed in Afghanistan (official information)

[crazedzuk]

I hate to hear something like this happen to a person who has given so much and helped people when they were in a jam. I never knew him but he was the best amongst others. RIP NCZUK

[Dashek]

To all that have posted, Thank you.  You are helping me get to know a side of my brother that I never knew.  For that I am Gratefull.

Thank you.

[microzuk]

How do you thank a man you never met? This has been a monster I have been wrestling with since I heard the news. A man that has sacrificed all for his country, his family and his friends. Art, you helped me, though in a small way, and I would not be where I am in my Samurai build today were it not for you. I have never associated with a person that was more willing to help, or more cheerful to help than Art.
I feel honestly as if a small piece of me is missing for not being able to meet you, shake your hand, and tell you thanks for all you've done.
I will thank you in the only way that I physically know how to do.
Rest In Peace,
 Your sacrifice will never be forgotten
Try not to flop the Popsicle on the Pearly Gates!

[t0nKaTrAcKeR]

just found this no new info but there is a pic of Art

http://kdka.com/topstories/local_story_167134249.html

[samuraijack88.5]

Rest in Peace, Art.  You and your family will be forever in my prayers.

[Blue Ridge Runner]

More media:

Fayette County soldier killed in Afghanistan
The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH --
An Army master sergeant from Fayette County was killed by gunfire while fighting in Afghanistan.

Arthur L. Lilley, 35, of Smithfield, was killed Friday in Shkin, according to the Department of Defense.

Lilley had been assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

His father, Arthur F. Lilley, said his son joined the military in 1990 and fought in Desert Storm. He was also in Iraq last year.

"He's got about 25 combat badges," his father said.

"He loved what he was doing. He enjoyed it. That was his life," he said. "You always worry, but it's what he wanted to do."

Lilley is survived by a wife, Christine, a daughter, Mackenzie, 10, and a son, Cole, 8. Funeral arrangements were incomplete Saturday.

Lilley also enjoyed off-road driving in his modified four-wheel-drive vehicle, his father said.

[Willc]

Art was the first person I ever met off this board. I will miss the fab fests at his house ,the cheerful spirit of him on the trail and the person he was.My condolences to his family.He will missed by mine

   Will Laura James Nicole and sometimes Jimmy

[Uncivilized]

I'm in the same boat as many, never met, and just shared posts, but it's one of thoes things, you see his name and pics of his rig everyday because you followed his build thread, and you want the famous t-shirt, so you just can't help but feel for his family. It's such a shock.

I give my condolences to the Lilley family.

Dave & Libby

[Little Red Wagon]

    Surly called me earlier today and told me about the sad news.  I met Art once, 2 years ago at a Zu event and he was a really great guy!  I was so impressed with Art that I bought the "I know Art Lilley" orange shirt!!  I will miss him!  Heck I have shed some tears today just thinking of him and reading this string of heart felt messages. 
Going to break out my " I know Art Lilley" shirt on Monday and encourage anyone else to do so in memory of a great guy. 
Erick Sowder

[74cruzah]

Got the news last night. Art is a great man. It was a pleasure to get to know him. Catch you on the other side Art.

Matt

[jovibuilt]

I met art at the zu two years ago and he is a big part of why I am here.May god be with his family I have lost a friend and I don't know what to say.Hope to see you on the otherside.

[Nevadastars]

This is just terrible news.    I usually browse the tech and classified sections of this site and rarely come to the chit chat forum.  I found out about Arts death through a Mopar board I have been going to for years.
My sincere condolences to his family.

[GenXr]

The war just got a little more real for me.

Having only talked briefly on the board I was looking forward to meeting Art in the future.

Lilley family, please accept my sincerest condolences at this time.  I pray that God grants you strength to carry on.  My family is humbled and deeply indebted to yours for your sacrifice.

As a tribute to Art, I will paint my zuk orange.

[Warpig]

I have a feeling there will be lots of Orange zuks in the next year or so.  The web wheeling community has shaken, he must have been a part of a hundred websites. 


Caleb

[pwsx3]

As a tribute to Art, I will paint my zuk orange.

Just a suggestion, instead of painting the whole thing orange just paint part of it so when people ask you why that part is "orange" you can say; it is in memory of a very special person, & then you can tell them the story if you want.
If it is all orange then people won't know the reason.