Dedicated to the Memory of

Sgt. Morgan W. Strader

A Good Man...   A Proud Man...   A U.S. Marine

Morgan was born July 18, 1981, at Hendricks County Hospital, Danville, Indiana. He went home to a brother and two sisters. In short order he learned that tormenting his sisters could really make life fun, so he practiced frequently.

 

He started school in Brownsburg, Indiana, and continued there through seventh grade. He moved to Germany with his mother and stepfather and attended the schools at Patch Barracks, the headquarters of the U. S. European Command. Here he preferred the Rod and Gun Club to the classroom, but he focused enough attention on school to get through. He participated in soccer, rifle club, and other activities.

 

His next educational experience occurred at Cumberland County High School, Crossville, Tennessee. He graduated in May 2000.

 

He developed a love of the outdoors very early. He spent time during each summer with his grandparents in Tennessee. He loved fishing, hunting and hiking in the woods. School, he said, was boring compared to all the things waiting to be done outside. To prove he had the native ability to do academic work, he would concentrate on his studies for short periods, earning stellar grades. But, once proved, he was quickly back to slighting study to concentrate on his other interests.

 

He had a curious nature. He loved to figure out how things worked or examine a new snake or lizard he was not familiar with. He also enjoyed learning new skills, from rollerblading to scuba diving to martial arts to photography to motorcycling.

 

Morgan took an early interest in the military. He reveled in the stories his grandfather told of service in the Army during the Korean War. He also revered other relatives who had fought in World Wars I and II.

 

While in the Marines, Morgan never stopped talking about the next time he would come home on leave. He always planned to spend the majority of his time in Tennessee. He would send his menu requests to his grandmother weeks before his arrival. Morgan's favorite meal consisted of steak, homemade yeast rolls and anything chocolate.

 

Morgan was likable and lovable to everyone, but he will always be remembered as the one who entertained through sarcasm. He had a unique individuality we will think of often. Most of all, Morgan's courage, bravery and honor will be forever etched in our hearts.

Morgan lived a life of challenge. He sought out the difficult path and followed it as far as he could go. The result was not always what he expected, but he gave it his best shot.

 

Not only did he challenge himself, he challenged those around him. He wanted us to really live life, not just go through the motions. And we're better for it.

 

What can you do to live a life of challenge? Identify something that seems a stretch for you to accomplish, then tackle it and keep at it until it is yours.

 

Start with something simple, maybe walking a mile, maybe getting your homework done before dinner, or getting to work on time.

 

Once you've mastered that first one, find another and keep at it every day, every week, every month, every year.