Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Marine SGT Morgan Strader, Age 23 of Crossville, TN.
KIA Nov. 12, 2004
He graduated Cumberland County High School with the class of 2000. He joined the United States Marines in July 2000. He served with the 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Sergeant Strader was serving his tour of duty in Iraq and was killed in action on November 12, 2004, while fighting in the second battle of Fallujah. He died while protecting his platoon and the convoy his platoon was escorting.
On April 19, 2013, the Tennessee State Legislature passed Public Chapter No. 482. In the text of the legislation a the bridge on U.S.Highway 70 in Cumberland County was designated as the “Sgt. Morgan W. Strader Memorial Bridge” in recognition of the life of valor and death in combat of Sgt. Morgan W. Strader, United States Marine Corps, who made the ultimate sacrifice on November 12, 2004, while serving his country in Fallujah, Iraq.
His awards included: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and National Defense Service Medal.
We had a great 2.22 Mile walk today. I want to thank Cody for walking with us today in the Christmas Parade in helping us honor this hero. We had a great walk and wow so many people. The streets were lined with hundreds and hundreds of people. It was amazing. We thank you all for the waves and the salutes, and lots of people clapping their hands.
Marine SGT Morgan Strader will not be forgotten !
