Tulsa World: Sailor from area killed by bomb

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Sailor from area killed by bomb
He is identified as Tony Randolph from Henryetta.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Michael Randolph of Henryetta was killed Monday in Afghanistan.Courtesy

By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer
Published: 7/8/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 11/12/2009 11:40 AM

Heroes of Oklahoma: View a memorial to the Oklahomans who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

HENRYETTA — A young sailor from Henryetta, described by those who knew him as "the type of person we need to have in the military," was killed Monday by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense on Tuesday identified him as Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Michael Randolph, who was killed while riding in a convoy in northern Afghanistan.

The military listed Randolph's age as 22, but a Henryetta funeral home listed it as 21.

Randolph was assigned as an individual augmentee to the Combined Security Transition Command — Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.

He was among seven American service personnel killed in separate incidents in Afghanistan on Monday.

Randolph graduated from Henryetta High School in 2005 and joined the Navy a year later, according to his football coach, Kenny Speer, who has kept in contact with Randolph over the years.

The coach said he last saw Randolph in March, and Randolph knew then that he was going to Afghanistan.

"He had been stationed in Virginia for the longest time," Speer said, "and he was shipping out to Italy" before heading to Afghanistan.

According to Speer, this was Randolph's first combat tour. His job in Afghanistan was to defuse bombs, the coach said.

"He was very patriotic," said Speer. "He loved his country and was willing to fight for it, and give it 110 percent.

"He knew the dangers of military service. He was the type of person we need to have in the military," Speer said.

In addition to being a good student in school, Randolph was an outstanding athlete, a three-year starter on the high school football team, the coach said.

Speer said Randolph was an offensive and defensive tackle, and was an all-district defensive back.

Randolph, who stood 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 240 pounds, also was a three-time state qualifier in power lifting, placing third in the state during his senior year, Speer said.

The coach said that Randolph, when he was home on leave in March, actually came to the high school to work out so he could stay in shape.

"He was that kind of individual," Speer said. "That (Army) saying, 'Be all you can be,' would definitely fit him."

But what endeared Speer to Randolph most of all was the sailor's dedication to whatever he tried to do, along with his politeness.

Randolph was the kind of individual "I could leave my kids with, and I wouldn't worry about them," Speer said.

Speer said he learned of Randolph's death Monday night and was shocked.

Also stunned was Brad Wion, the high school principal while Randolph was a student there.

Wion, now the middle school principal, described Randolph as an all-around good young man who was dedicated to all his endeavors.

"He was very polite, real personable," Wion said. "He was always willing to do what was asked of him, and he was a good student, too."

Wion called Randolph's death a "terrible loss to the community."

"We're a small community," the principal said, and "he was one of those young men who you'd want your boys to grow up like. He was just an all-around good person.

"He'll be sorely missed."

Randolph is survived by his parents, Fred and Peggy Randolph of Weleetka, along with two stepbrothers, Shawn and Robert Kramer.

Funeral services for Randolph are pending at Rogers Funeral Home in Henryetta. A spokesman there said the funeral probably will be held next week at Henryetta First Baptist Church.

Manny Gamallo 581-8386
manny.gamallo@tulsaworld.com By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Henryetta sailor killed in Afghanistan," which was published on 7/7/2009.

	Report Comment PT Cruiser, (7/7/2009 1:42:14 PM) My prayers to the family of this Brave young man. There is no words that can express my sorrow, I do know of your pain. I lost my son also this year while he was serving in Iraq. Please give this family the strenght for there will be many days ahead that they will need all of our compassion and love. Philip Thompson
	Report Comment Tulsa World State Editor Michael Dekker, (7/7/2009 1:43:25 PM) The Tulsa World is seeking friends and family who would be willing to talk about Tony for a more comprehensive news story about him. We are also looking for a photo of Tony. If anyone would like to speak about him for the story, please contact World staff writer Manny Gamallo, 581-8386; or myself, 581-8469. Thanks.
	Report Comment Eric, Tulsa (7/7/2009 2:23:31 PM) ... KOTV reports he was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. ... Prayers to the family and friends. ... .. .
	Report Comment justpete, Nowata (7/7/2009 2:23:42 PM) RIP Sailor.
	Report Comment jquestme, Henryetta (7/7/2009 2:31:28 PM) Tony was an outstanding young man, terrific soldier and a friend to all, he will be deeply missed. A salute to you and your family, we will keep your family in our prayers. May God welcome Tony with his open arms and comfort.
	Report Comment okierose, Glenpool (7/7/2009 2:37:02 PM) Thanks for your service soldier.
	Report Comment Delta_501, (7/7/2009 2:43:15 PM) God Bless you Tony and prayers of comfort for your family,loved ones and friends...Your ultimate sacrifice for this great nation will not be forgotten...
	Report Comment Bud Green, No (7/7/2009 3:11:05 PM) RIP, thanks for your service.
	Report Comment Rakkasan, Broken Arrow (7/7/2009 3:30:47 PM) Rest in Peace.
	Report Comment HarleyRyder55, Tulsa (7/7/2009 3:36:05 PM) Appreciations to him for his service/sacrifice, God bless his soul, prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and service mates.
	Report Comment Joe Panther , Tulsa (7/7/2009 4:15:24 PM) Rest in peace,Tony. May you be properly honored and remembered for your service.
	Report Comment eej, Brooklyn, NY (7/7/2009 4:49:55 PM) Rest in Peace and God Bless
	Report Comment Bedazzled, (7/7/2009 5:40:18 PM) God Bless his family. I wish the wars would end.
	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (7/7/2009 5:46:02 PM) My heart goes out to his family. Anyone who has lost a child knows the pain, each family feels, is unique and not like anyone else's. I wish them peace in the days ahead.
	Report Comment Harry, (7/7/2009 6:06:21 PM) you're "my" hero tony, God's speed
	Report Comment Harry, (7/7/2009 6:09:22 PM) and i know from where I speak, My son's been to Irag 4 times
	Report Comment Harry, (7/7/2009 6:29:24 PM) feel free to spell-check me bloggers, he's still been there 4 times for ya'll
	Report Comment Bodean, Tulsa (7/7/2009 6:40:50 PM) May Petty Officer Randolph rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength and comfort in the memories they hold dear. May those of us he left behind find peace.
	Report Comment Travis, Tahlequah (7/7/2009 7:19:01 PM) My condolences to the family and friends of this brave young sailor. Thank you for defending our freedom and giving the ultimate sacrifice for your country. I salute you. May you rest in peace.
	Report Comment Check It out, Tulsa (7/7/2009 7:33:06 PM) Our prayers are with you!!! President Obama give our soldiers whatever they need to accomplish our goals in Afghanistan and then bring them home! We need them here!
	Report Comment tao4mind, Enid (7/7/2009 9:39:39 PM) Wow, what a sad story. My prayers to a brave young man.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, Austin, TX (7/7/2009 9:57:16 PM) God's speed Tony. Thank you for your service to our country.
	Report Comment OKLadybug, (7/7/2009 10:35:13 PM) Tony, my neighbor, my classmate, my friend, Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice, we owe you more than we will every be able to repay. I ran into you in H-Town in March and exchanged a casual "hey", wish I could replay that day. May God be with your parents, other family, and the many friends you kept close. You are pain free and probably making some "smart" comment at the rest of us mourning your loss. I will miss your sense of humor, your smile, and your willingness to be a friend. Take care friend, you will be missed.
	Report Comment olddude, tulsa (7/8/2009 7:52:54 AM) I hope our motorcycle group will be ask to escort him home to his family,so we can honor his service and sacrafice,God bless him and his Family
	Report Comment taj1958, Henryetta (7/8/2009 8:55:36 AM) ALL SOLDIERS NEED TO COME HOME!THIS WAR NEEDS TO STOP.ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,HOW MANY MORE YOUNG MEN ARE WE GOING TO LOSE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE.

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