Oklahoma Military Families Worried After Recent Deaths

With seven Oklahoma soldiers killed in just the past few weeks, many military families are even more worried right now. They fear the violence is escalating. <br><br><a href="http://www.newson6.com/story/15270003/family-friends-remember-sapulpa-soldier-killed-in-afghanistan" target="_blank">Funeral Services Held For Sapulpa Soldier Killed In Afghanistan</a>

Tuesday, August 16th 2011, 5:03 pm

By: News On 6


Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- With seven Oklahoma soldiers killed in just the past few weeks, many military families are even more worried right now. They fear the violence is escalating.

08/05/2011 Related Story: Deadliest Week For Oklahoma Soldiers In Afghanistan

For every soldier serving in Afghanistan right now, there are loving family members back home worrying and holding out hope their soldier will return home safely.

Ashli Lewis and 16-month-old Tegan are waiting for Tyler Lewis.

"You don't go a day without thinking, what's going to happen," Ashli Lewis.

Tyler Lewis is a member of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade.

With word of more fellow soldiers from Oklahoma making the ultimate sacrifice, it adds to the anxiety of family members.

"Your heart just kind of aches and breaks for everyone," Ashli said.

The 25-year-old soldier had already served a six year term in Oklahoma's National Guard, and re upped for another term.

His mom shares the worry about his safety.

"We have a really strong family, and a really strong faith and we have a lot of prayer warriors out there," said Tyler's mom Linda Lewis.

Losing seven Oklahoma soldiers in just the past couple of weeks, six with the 45th, is hard on soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

When a roadside bomb killed Staff Sergeant Kirk Owen August 2nd, Tyler Lewis was in the truck following right behind Owens' vehicle. A memorial service for Owen was held Monday in Sapulpa.

08/15/2011 Related Story: Funeral Services Held For Sapulpa Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

"I went to Sapulpa when Sergeant Owen was brought home and stood on the corner and just cried," Linda said.

About 2,200 members of Oklahoma's 45th are in Afghanistan right now. Most left the U.S. in June for what's expected to be a nine month deployment.

Oklahoma Soldiers Who Died In Action Since July 29

The Lewis family will be counting down the days, while hoping the casualty count doesn't climb any higher.

"I just pray that the angels are guarding him," Linda said.

News On 6 is proud of our military men and women from Oklahoma, and their families, and want to tell their stories.

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