[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF SGT. MORGAN WILLIAM STRADER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, November 20, 2004

  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and service and sacrifice of Sergeant Morgan William Strader, formerly 
of Brownsburg, Indiana, who was tragically killed in the line of duty 
on November 12, 2004 while serving his country in Iraq. His father 
lives in my district.
  Sgt. Strader loved his country. He recognized the impending danger of 
serving his country in Fallujah. Notwithstanding, he chose to serve. 
Our city, state and country have much pride for the young 23 year old.
  Morgan Strader grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana where he attended 
school through the seventh grade. He moved to Crossville, Tennessee in 
the eighth grade where he was active on the high school track team and 
wrestling squad. Upon graduation he left to join the Marines.
  Morgan served with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in Iraq 
from February to June of last year, and returned to Camp Pendleton, 
California, where he was assigned to military police duty pending his 
discharge in July. But Sgt Strader couldn't bear the thought of his 
unit returning to Iraq without him, says his father, Gary Strader, of 
Speedway Indiana. Instead, he asked that his enlistment be extended for 
another year, and returned with his unit to Iraq in July.
  As his battalion prepared for the battle in Fallujah, Sgt Strader 
developed a skin condition that made him eligible to be sent home. But 
Morgan Strader ``decided he wasn't coming home,'' his father recalls. 
``He said, `Dad, the guys in my unit aren't experienced in this. I need 
to help them.' '' He was killed in the battle of Fallujah on Friday, 
November 12.
  Morgan Strader loved fishing with his grandpa. He had a strong faith 
in God and he loved serving in the Marine Corps. Sgt Strader's father 
describes him as ``a Marine from the day he was born . . . His 
grandfather was in the Army during Korea. He latched onto that and 
loved it.''
  His high school English teacher Angela Bradley testifies to his keen 
sense of humor and strong moral values. ``All Morgan ever talked about 
doing when he was in high school was to be a Marine and to be a 
minister.''
  Sgt Strader is survived by his grandparents Lonnie and Estelle Morgan 
of Hebbertsburg, Tennessee; his mother Linda Morgan of Dumfries, VA; 
his father Gary Strader of Speedway, Indiana; his uncle Jimmy and aunt 
Teresa Barnett of Westel, Tennessee; and his cousins Austin Barrett and 
Angel Morgan.
  Morgan William Strader will be deeply missed. His strength and 
service to his country, friends, family, and God will be remembered 
always by all whom he inspired and loved.
  The citizens of the Seventh District of Indiana extend our deepest 
gratitude for his sacrifice and dedication to public service.

                          ____________________