Pine Bluff Soldier Makes Trip to Final Resting Place
By: Josh Berry
Updated: July 7, 2012
Hundreds showed up in support Saturday (7/7) afternoon as the body of Pine Bluff native and US Army Sergeant Michael Strachota was laid to rest with full military honors.
The 28-year-old was killed while serving our nation on a mission in Afghanistan.
It's because of that, even people who didn't know him, lined 6th Avenue in Pine Bluff to watch the full military honored procession.
"The way that I look at it, you don't have to know them personally, it's what they're doing for you," said Cristy Johnson. She was there just to show support.
Joe Bland didn't know Strachota either, but showed up as a veteran supporting a fallen comrade.
He said, "I tell ya what... this is a great honor for Mr. Strachota and for all the veterans."
Beneath a clear blue sky, with a flag at half staff and under the protective silent watch of hundreds, Sgt. Michael Strachota, inside a flag draped casket, made one last stop at Saint Joseph Catholic Church so friends, family and loved ones could say good bye.
Outside the funeral, Strachota had what seemed like an entire city at his back.
Parents brought their young children there to learn how to support their troops at an early age, and 68 year old veterans of war showed up because they know what it's like to lose.
"I lost 58,000 brothers over there," Bland explained about his time in Vietnam in 1965.
The day was reserved to remember Sgt. Strachota. They said he was a family man, even to those not technically family.
"He was a brother to all of us," said life-long friend, David Hall.
"It's a sad time but also a joyous time," said Strachota's former Cub Scout and Youth Leader, Mark Ives. He watched him grow up. "He was just a 100% boy that's all I can say. He was a great kid. I feel very honored to have known him.
Logan Kizer grew up with Strachota. He along with many, said they were just happy to have known him.
"Might have different colored hair at any time. Might have his hair braided up, many you never know. He was a different cat," Kizer remembered. "I'm proud of to be associated with Michael and his family... they're very good people."
Inside the funeral, people said Sgt. Strachota's military friends explained how good a guy he was at keeping people up and confident.
He leaves behind his wife, Lauren, and their son, William.
The 28-year-old was killed while serving our nation on a mission in Afghanistan.
It's because of that, even people who didn't know him, lined 6th Avenue in Pine Bluff to watch the full military honored procession.
"The way that I look at it, you don't have to know them personally, it's what they're doing for you," said Cristy Johnson. She was there just to show support.
Joe Bland didn't know Strachota either, but showed up as a veteran supporting a fallen comrade.
He said, "I tell ya what... this is a great honor for Mr. Strachota and for all the veterans."
Beneath a clear blue sky, with a flag at half staff and under the protective silent watch of hundreds, Sgt. Michael Strachota, inside a flag draped casket, made one last stop at Saint Joseph Catholic Church so friends, family and loved ones could say good bye.
Outside the funeral, Strachota had what seemed like an entire city at his back.
Parents brought their young children there to learn how to support their troops at an early age, and 68 year old veterans of war showed up because they know what it's like to lose.
"I lost 58,000 brothers over there," Bland explained about his time in Vietnam in 1965.
The day was reserved to remember Sgt. Strachota. They said he was a family man, even to those not technically family.
"He was a brother to all of us," said life-long friend, David Hall.
"It's a sad time but also a joyous time," said Strachota's former Cub Scout and Youth Leader, Mark Ives. He watched him grow up. "He was just a 100% boy that's all I can say. He was a great kid. I feel very honored to have known him.
Logan Kizer grew up with Strachota. He along with many, said they were just happy to have known him.
"Might have different colored hair at any time. Might have his hair braided up, many you never know. He was a different cat," Kizer remembered. "I'm proud of to be associated with Michael and his family... they're very good people."
Inside the funeral, people said Sgt. Strachota's military friends explained how good a guy he was at keeping people up and confident.
He leaves behind his wife, Lauren, and their son, William.
Comments
Welcome Home and Rest Easy
lloyd b.
July 9, 2012 at 10:32 am
