Mother Of Fallen Oklahoma Soldier: Son Was Dedicated To Serving

Sergeant Allen McKenna's death is the latest in a string of tragedies to hit the military.

Thursday, February 23rd 2012, 6:15 pm

By: News On 6


Sergeant Allen McKenna's death is the latest in a string of tragedies to hit the military.

02/22/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Soldier From Noble Dies In Afghanistan

Ten members of the military have died over the last few days. They include Marines training in California and an Oklahoma soldier from Noble.

Sergeant Allen McKenna was known as Robbie to his friends and family. A graduate of Noble High School he was married with three sons, including a 2 month old.

His mother says he was shot during combat in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

"You really cannot put into words the pain and the things you feel when you find these out," said Connie Sams-Mitchell, McKenna's mother.

Connie didn't want her son to join the military out of high school but he loved the Army and was dedicated to serving.

She's so happy he was able to come home in December and be there for the birth of his infant son.

"His children meant everything to him. Everything he did was based around his family," Connie said.

Sergeant McKenna's death comes as at least 9 other service members have lost their lives. In California, seven Marines died in a crash involving a Cobra helicopter and a Huey helicopter.

CBS News reports an Afghan soldier shot two Americans in what's believed to be retaliation for the burning of Korans.

Sergeant McKenna will long be remembered in Noble. His family reached far into this and nearby Purcell. His mother says his devotion to the military as well as his friends and family will never be forgotten.

"He's a friend, he's a brother. If you needed him for anything he was there no matter what it was," she said.

Sergeant McKenna's wife and three sons are in Delaware to receive his body. A memorial fund for his family has been established at the First State Bank in Noble.

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