Bradenton, Fla., soldier killed in Afghanistan attack

Bradenton, Fla., soldier killed in Afghanistan attack

By Lee Williams
Bradenton Herald
Published: Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 - 5:03 pm
BRADENTON — Spc. 4 Patrick L. Lay II, one of Bradenton’s native sons, was killed Thursday while on combat operations in Afghanistan.

He was a decorated soldier and a proven leader who was viewed by all as “the All-American Boy.”

Lay, who was only 21, died from injuries he sustained in an IED strike, according to his mother Stefenie Hernandez, also of Bradenton. She was told little else about the circumstances of her son’s death.

“My son gave his life for his country so we can live free and continue to have what we have,” Hernandez said. “He was fun-loving. He liked to joke. He was a very, very sweet child.”

Family and friends flocked to her home Friday.

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