Michael Joseph Strachota

On June 12th, 2012, Sergeant Michael Joseph Strachota was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan.

Strachota was born on December 12, 1983 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Strachota attended the Trinity Episcopal School, Subiaco Academy, graduated from Pine Bluff High School, and was an active member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church located in Pine Bluff.

Strachota began his military career in 2007 when he joined the United States Army. He began his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri until he graduated and was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, 13th Sustainment Command, 180th Infantry Battalion, 96th Transportation Company. There, Strochota was deployed to Afghanistan and previously served a tour of duty in Iraq in 2009.

For his courage and nobility, Strochota received numerous awards for his stellar service including but not limited to an Army Commendation Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal with arrowhead device, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, a National Defense Service Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star,a NATO Medal, and Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Sergeant Michael Joseph Strachota is survived by his wife, Lauren, and son, William.