Foley Airman Killed On Memorial Day

Alabama Foley Family members tell News 5 that Lt. Col. Mark Stratton was killed Monday night in Afghanistan.

by Jamie Burch

Published: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 10:47 am CST Last Updated: Tue, May 26, 2009 - 5:09 pm CST

A Foley man, serving his country, paid the ultimate price on Memorial Day.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Stratton was killed Monday in Afghanistan. But there are conflicting reports about what happened. The Associated Press is reporting that Stratton was one of three Americans killed when a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into a military convoy north of Kabul. But a letter the Pentagon sent Stratton's family says he was killed when his Jeep hit an IED.

Stratton graduated from Foley High School and then attended Texas A&M. The 39-year-old worked at the Pentagon before he was deployed to Afghanistan in November.

His body will be flown back to Washington tomorrow night. Stratton will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

He's survived by his wife and three kids.

Senator Richard Shelby
"Lieutenant Colonel Stratton fought bravely for our nation, and we all are indebted to his service and his sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Congressman Jo Bonner
"I was deeply saddened to receive word of the death of Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this most difficult time. The loss of Lt. Col. Stratton - especially on Memorial Day - is a reminder that our men and women in combat are in constant danger, and we should keep them and all of our armed forces in our thoughts and prayers every day of the year."

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