Mother: Joshua Strickland Wanted Career in Military

Even when he was a child, Joshua Strickland knew he would grow up and serve in the military.

His mother Beth Strickland Funk said Jay, which she affectionately called her son, came from a long line of family members who served their country and he planned to do the same.

"He grew up knowing nothing but patriotism and loving America," she said, adding her son was "compelled" to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors. 

Strickland, at the age of 23, died on Sept. 21 fulfilling his lifelong dream of serving in the United States Army. 

Strickland, who was assigned to Group Support Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was killed when enemy forces attacked his unit while they were performing range training.

Strickland on Sept. 23 returned to the states in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where his mother said his body remains.

His brother, a member of the United States Marine Corps, on Monday will fly to Dover to escort his brother's body back to Seattle.

Funk, who resides in Texas, said her sons should arrive back to the west coast by Wednesday.

The family is in the midst of making funeral arrangements, which Funk said will take place in Washington state. She noted she hopes the family can lay their beloved to rest by the end of next week. 

Strickland leaves behind a wife, one son and two stepchildren. 

The news of Strickland's death rocked the Woodstock and Towne Lake community. Many residents expressed their sorrows and support for the family on Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch's Facebook page.

Funk said those outpourings of support have not fallen on deaf ears.

"They are the ones who are carrying us through right now," she added of those expressing their grief. 

As he grew older, Funk said her son's determination to join the military never wavered, and it solidified after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks. She recalled that when her son graduated from bootcamp, he commented on how he was looking forward to making a career out of the military.

Strickland completed his education at Etowah High School in 2008. He shipped out to begin his service in June 2008, and Funk said her son absolutely loved serving in the military.

Growing up, Strickland was always the "life of the party."

"He was an amazing kid," she said. "He would give the shirt off his back to anybody. His smile would just brighten the room. He was always happy."

Funk said Strickland's youth pastor also shared those same sentiments, recalling the young man as one who had a smile that lit up the room.

As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, Strickland said the U.S. Army has been "taking such good care for us" in helping the family with the arrangements.

She also noted the Woodstock and Cherokee County community has also been nothing short of selfless in their messages to the family. 

"I can’t put it into the words my graduate for the support and love that has been given to my family," she added. 

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