Fallen Soldier: Michael L. Boatright

Sergeant Michael L. Boatright, 24, of Whitesboro, Texas; assigned to the 20th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood was killed December 4, 2004, when he was struck by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.

SGT Boatright, who went by his middle name of Luke, was born on February 21, 1980, in Lewisville, Texas. At age 17, he joined the Army National Guard. After 9/11, he signed up for active duty and became a Combat Engineer. Before his death, he had recently re-enlisted and had decided to make the Army his life-long career.
Desty Boatright described the love of her life as a good ole’ country boy. “He loved hunting and fishing, drove a noisy old pickup, and was always goofing around, trying to make people smile.”

According to his mother, “He loved being a soldier and took his Army values very seriously; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.”

SGT Boatright is survived by his wife and children, Colton, Tanna, and Zoie.