Lieutenant Colonel Mark E. Stratton, II graduated high school as Commander of his school’s JROTC unit and won a scholarship to TX A&M. He graduated in 1991 and commissioned into the Air Force. Mark served at Peterson AFB in CO Springs and Offutt AFB in Nebraska before he was posted to the Pentagon, serving in the J-5. Mark went to Afghanistan as the Commander of Panjshir Province Provincial Reconstruction Team. It was during his deployment when he and three other members of his team were killed by an IED.

Mark was someone who loved God, loved his family, and loved the Air Force. Beyond that, he loved the country he served until the very end. He was not only a dedicated member of the Air Force who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American Hero.

Mark believed the United States of America was the greatest and best country in the entire world. He was proud to serve and always had a “Can do” attitude. There are many photos of Mark with a big smile on his face, holding his hand out with a big “Thumbs up!” For those who knew, respected and loved him, it was an honor having him as an integral part of their lives.