Stephen M. Okray
Specialist, United States Army
April 1, 1987 – December 24, 2008
Age – 21
St. Clair Shores, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO
Died after part of a road collapsed and the Humvee was sent into a canal.
SPC Okray died in southern Iraq of injuries when the road his Humvee was on partially collapsed and his vehicle rolled into a canal.
Stephen grew up in Harper Woods and St. Clair Shores in Michigan. He graduated from South Lake High School and joined the Army in 2005. He went on to serve in South Korea before deploying to Iraq in September.
When he joined the Army, he found his niche – he loved his job of defending our country. Before his current enlistment was up, he had re-signed for another 4 years and his family believes he would have made a career in the military.
Stephen loved to hunt, fish and camp – he was a good kid with a big heart. He was the Evel Knievel/Johnny Knoxville of the family and as a youth he built a 15 foot ramp in the backyard so he could jump over a bush with his BMX. The risky jump failed but he didn’t get hurt – he always seemed to bounce. Stephen was a spirited and loving person who always had unconditional love for his family and country.
Jeff Okray said he didn’t know the root of his brother’s devotion to the military.
“We’re not a big military family, and no one was pushing him to do it,” he said. “He had something in him that he wanted to do it.”
He was remembered as follows from his battle buddies –
My heart is heavy as I write this. Stephen was a unique soldier who I had the pleasure to serve with in Korea in our artillery battalion. He had an infectious adventurous way and I knew I could count on him for anything. Many lives are better because he crossed their paths. He served proudly. I was a better leader because of him. May God bless his family and friends and bring them peace.
LTC David Hamilton
To the Okray Family I want to give my sincerest condolences for your loss. I only knew Stephen for about 10 months. I served with him in Camp Hovey, Korea in Bravo Battery 1-15 FA. He was a great person and always brought a smile to everyone’s face. He was a great person and a great friend in the time I knew him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. I myself also have a brother in Afghanistan and am a soldier myself and share my greatest and most sincere condolences. Stephen I will always keep your memory alive in my heart and will have your family in my prayers and heart.
Sincerely,
Spc. Nicholas K. Smith
U.S. Army