Foley Airman Killed In Afghanistan

Alabama Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Stratton killed in convoy attack on Memorial Day

by Pat Peterson

Published: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 5:33 pm CST Last Updated: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 6:12 pm CST

Air Force Lt. Colonel Mark Stratton step-father Buddy York talked to us about his family's loss.

"Mark was just an all around wonderful person," says York. "The three things that were more important to him were God, his family and the military."

The Foley High School graduate, husband and father of three was killed in Afghanistan on Memorial Day while leading a convoy from a U-S command center to a remote air base miles away.

"I just talked to his wife, Jennifer and she's heart-broken. She just lost a husband and a father."

There are conflicting reports of how Stratton died. The Associated Press reports Stratton was killed in a suicide bombing when a car loaded with explosives slammed into the convoy. But York says he received a letter from the Pentagon stating Stratton died when his Jeep hit an "IED." Stratton family says regardless of how he died, they're proud of his military accomplishments and will miss him.

"He died doing what he wanted to do."

WKRG.com » News Stream » Alabama

Video
Photo
Map

Embed:

WKRG.com Related

News –› Alabama

News –› Foley

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

Download Video

rolltider Says:

Wed, May 27, 2009 at 11:09 am

Thank you Lt. Col. Stratton for your ultimate sacrifice. Also, many thanks and prayers to his family right now. Your Mark is a hero as you already know.

bamamom31 Says:

Wed, May 27, 2009 at 8:04 am

My thoughts and prayers go out to this family! Thank you, Lt Colonel Stratton, my hero for your ultimate sacifice you made for me and my family!!!

engtchr Says:

Tue, May 26, 2009 at 7:57 pm

God speed, Lt. Colonel Stratton.

danigirl Says:

Tue, May 26, 2009 at 7:02 pm

I am so sorry for this families loss. I remember when my husband was in Iraq for an extended period of time. It was so difficult - waiting and worrying. It did help to know that people appreciated the work that our military was doing. I want this family to know that I am praying for them, and as a US citizen I support and appreciate the soilders and their families. I know that they are proud of Lt. Colonel Stratton. I am very proud of his wife and children for all that they have sacrificed so that we can live such a blessed life. Our soldiers put their lives on the line everyday and so many do not appreciate all of the benifits that we enjoy because of them. I just want to say THANK YOU, and my God heal your broken hearts.