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Press Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman today honored the life and service of Army Sergeant Michael Strachota who died in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Boozman recognized the sacrifice of SGT Strachota, a graduate of Pine Bluff High School, who was serving with the U.S. Army’s 96th
Transportation Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, 13th Sustainment Command at Fort Hood, Texas. 

You can watch the speech here. The following is Boozman’s speech as prepared for delivery.  

Mr. President, we are aware that our freedoms are not truly free and our soldiers give the greatest sacrifice in freedom’s defense. The sacrifices of Americans in uniform and their families embody the courage, honor, and patriotism that we must always remember.

Today I am here to pay my respects to Army Sergeant Michael Strachota an Arkansas soldier who sacrificed his life for the love of this country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

SGT Strachota graduated from Pine Bluff High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 2002. In 2007 he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 96th Transportation Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, 13th Sustainment Command at Fort Hood, Texas. 

SGT Strachota was aware of the dangers he faced having served a previous deployment to Iraq in 2009. His family says that Michael was proud of his job and recalled to Arkansas newspapers how excited he was about his position and how he wanted to pursue a new direction in the military as an Army Ranger or pilot. 

SGT Strachota’s family said he was known for his friendly, out-going, and generous nature and his love of the outdoors and riding motorcycles. Most of all he was a devoted to his family. He delayed his R&R to be home for his son’s birthday on July 5th. 

Mr. President, SGT Michael Strachota answered the highest call for this country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his wife Lauren, son William and the rest of this family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times. I humbly offer my sincerest gratitude for his selfless service and patriotism for this nation.