US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Strange

US Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Philadelphia-area native, was one of the thirty US troops killed in action in Wardak province on 6th August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down by enemy forces, killing all on board.

The 25-year-old joined the Navy in 2004 after graduating from High School, and embarked on the career of his dreams. His family told news reporters this was his third combat deployment to Afghanistan.

His father told local news that "Michael loved protecting our country. We were very proud of him and he succeeded with the Navy SEALs. He became an E-6 in four years, that's how dedicated he was."

Michael Strange leaves his father, his mother - a Philadelpia police officer - and two younger siblings.