Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison died Sunday while on patrol in Afghanistan, according to reports.
Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison was killed in an explosion in Arghandab, Afghanistan.
McGarrah was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, in Fort Bragg, N.C.
McGarrah’s wife and parents reside in Harrison.
Senator Mark Pryor made the following statement on the death of Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah from Harrison, AR, who was killed in Arghandab, Afghanistan on July 4, 2010. Specialist McGarrah was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Today I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of U.S. Army Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah, who gave his life for his country on Independence Day. When we celebrate our forefathers’ struggle to gain our freedom, may we never forget Specialist McGarrah’s sacrifice to preserve that freedom.
Specialist McGarrah served his country with courage, honor, and distinction, and we will always remember his patriotism. I join all Arkansans in lifting up Specialist McGarrah’s wife, Emily, parents, Bo and Missy, and all his loved ones during this difficult time.
U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah, 20, of Harrison, who died on July 4, 2010, in Arghandab, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist McGarrah died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol, followed by small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.
“As Arkansans and Americans gathered together this holiday weekend to celebrate our freedom, Specialist Clayton D. McGarrah made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” said Lincoln.
“My heart goes out to his family for their loss. Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for Specialist McGarrah’s service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families. I am committed to ensuring they have the full support that they need and deserve. Our grateful nation will not forget them when their military service is complete.
“More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm’s way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.”
Specialist McGarrah was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His wife and parents reside in Harrison.
