Oklahoma Sailor Killed In Afghanistan Returns Home

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The body of US Navy Petty Officer Tony Randolph arrived back in Oklahoma Monday at Tulsa International Airport to a hero's salute from the Tulsa Fire Department.

From there, a procession including patriot guard riders escorted his body through Tulsa and down Highway 75 toward his home.

Randolph, of Henryetta, was killed a week ago by a roadside bomb when his convoy was on patrol in Northern Afghanistan.

7/6/2009 Related story: Oklahoma Sailor Killed In Afghanistan

He was only 22-years-old, but in his life cut short on the battlefield, Randolph touched many others who remembered his determination on the football field in Henryetta and appreciated his love for his country.

Randolph joined the military right out of high school in 2005. Before long, he decided to make serving his country a career.

A candlelight service is planned for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at a park in Henryetta. Funeral services for Randolph are set for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Henryetta. He'll be laid to rest at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Weleetka.

Several people have posted comments about Petty Officer Randolph's death on Newson6.com.

A viewer from Sand Springs wrote: "Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice."

A Tulsa woman posted: "To the family, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for allowing your son to serve and protect all of the freedoms that so many of our fellow countrymen take for granted."

And an Okmulgee resident said: "Thank you Tony Randolph. You are a hero. Family and friends, you are in my prayers."