Friday, March 09 2007 @ 08:53 AM EST
Contributed by: tomw
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 The Shreveport Times -- The Pentagon has released more details of the death of a Lafayette soldier, injured in Iraq last week.
U.S. Army Pvt. Mark Graham, 22, died Wednesday of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol Mar. 2 in northwest Baghdad.
 Graham, a 2002 graduate of St. Thomas More, was the only survivor in the attack. He suffered severe injuries, including the amputation of both legs, the loss of one kidney and third-degree burns over more than 60 percent of his body. He was sent to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he died.
"Mark is the hero of his family as well as the country he served," his family said in a brief statement Wednesday night. "We will never forget his valor and his love of the human spirit."
Graham's mother, Kim Graham, also wrote an essay following her son's passing.
"I am telling my son goodbye today. I'll stand with his wife and my husband and wish him well and God speed," the essay read. "Did we do the right thing, I'll ask? I will have to trust that our leaders know more than they can ever tell the everyday Americans. And I will have to busy myself with mindless tasks till he walks through that door again, safe from harm and into the arms of his family."
St. Thomas More Principal Ray Simon recalled Graham as someone who stood out from the crowd.
"I remember him as a real good, fun-loving kid who was a real leader on the football field," he said. "He was just a fine young man."
As word spread of Graham's passing, several friends posted messages on his family's Web site expressing their condolences. Many postings expressed pride in his actions and service to his country.
"We need not to ask God 'Why Mark?' We need to thank God for giving us the gift of him and the person that he was," read another posting. "We are all so lucky to have known such a hero."
Graham was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been released. |
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I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were also killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Loyalty And Courage"(5th Cav Motto)