Pine Bluff Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

An Arkansas soldier has died in Afghanistan.

The family of U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Strachota, 28, of Pine Bluff, received the news on Sunday.

Strachota was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command.
His grandmother, Betty Bradshaw, get's emotional.

"No, I'm sorry, he was so crazy about his dad."

Bradshaw, is thinking how the family will explain to 3-year-old Will, that his dad died in combat.

Michael, leaves behind his wife Lauren and their son William, along with a host of family.

"When he was a little boy he was a very conscientious, loving little boy. He always wanted to be hugging on you and always wanted to have family around him whatever he was doing."

Michael, loved being outdoors on his motorcycle.

He and his dad had plans to ride when he got home.

But something that scared Bradshaw a little when Michael was younger, 4 wheelers.

"Yes, it did cause they'd get bogged down and would have to be pulled out and all this stuff.

Michael, transferred those driving skills into something bigger.

"Yes, I drive H-E-T's, heavy equipment transportation trucks."

Bradshaw reads an email, just one of many sent to her from Michael.

His family says the military told them that he was one mile outside of his post coming back from mission, when the military says, it looks like an Afghan truck suicide bomber hit Michael's truck and it burst into flames.

Bradshaw says explaining this to 3-year-old Will, won't be easy.

"He won't know. I don't want to make a bad impression on him either. I won't him to remember his dad the way he was."

Michael's body arrived in the states today.

His body will return to Pine Bluff some time next week.

There will be a Patriotic Musical Celebration in his honor at First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff on Monday at 7:30 p.m.