Michael Joseph Strachota

Michael Joseph Strachota (Sergeant/E5, USArmy), 28, died June 24, 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. Born Dec. 12, 1983 in Pine Bluff, Ark., Michael attended Trinity Episcopal School, Subiaco Academy and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 2002. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff. Michael joined the Army in 2007, receiving basic and specialist training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon graduation he was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, 13th Sustainment Command, 180th Infantry Battalion, 96th Transportation Company with which he was serving in Afghanistan. He previously served one tour of duty in Iraq from February to October, 2009. Survivors include his wife and love of his life, Lauren Walden Strachota; son, William Michael Strachota; father, Patrick Joseph Strachota of Pine Bluff; mother and step-father, Linda and Gary Baxter of Star City, Arkansas; brother and sister-in-law, Matthew and Katie Tole of Pine Bluff; grandmother, Betty Bradshaw of Pine Bluff; step-grandmother, Donna Baxter of Star City; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Steve and Judy Walden of Pine Bluff; brother-in-law, Eric Steven Walden of El Dorado, Ark.; grandmother-in-law, Virginia Stewart of Pine Bluff. Also surviving are his "shadow," fishing partner and Army buddy, SPC. Adam Corley, Sgt. Corey Smith, and the other members of his Army family still serving in Afghanistan. Michael's special four-legged companions when he was home are Paris and Pimpin Strachota. Visitation is Friday, July 6, 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son in Pine Bluff with a Rosary service following at 8 p.m. Services are Saturday, July 7, 2 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff. Graveside services with full military honors follow at Clement Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Fisher House for Families of the Fallen, 116 Purple Heart Drive, Dover AFB, Dover, Delaware 19902 or The USO, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1200, Arlington, Va. 22201. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.