Maryland's Seventy-Nineth Hero

collinjbowen
Originally uploaded by Randuwa

Army Staff Sgt. Collin J. Bowen, 38, of Millersville, Md., died March 14 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered Jan. 2 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland Army National Guard, Towson, Md.

HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY

Staff Sergeant Collin Bowen was severely injured in early January.  He died Friday at a Texas military hospital.  Pictures on his website show what's most important to Staff Sergeant Bowen - his country and his family. 

"Staff Sgt. Bowen was really the type of soldier who went above and beyond his call of duty," said Major Kristine Henry, a spokesman for the Maryland National Guard.  

It was during the final weeks of his year-long tour in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device, or IED, hit his convoy.  Three of his comrades were killed, but Sergeant Bowen has been fighting for his life ever since the January 2nd attack.  The Department of Defense says the Perry Hall resident died March 14, 2008, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.  His wife and three children were by his side. 

"Staff Sgt. Bowen's family really was with him throughout this whole thing, as he's been fighting for his life they've been with him down in Texas," said Major Henry.

Staff Sergeant Bowen was based at the Maryland National Guard in Towson, but support has come from across the country.  A family member created the website collinbowen.com.  There are over 900 postings, thanking the staff sergeant for his sacrifice, remembering how great a guy he was, and the "amazing fight that was an inspiration to us all." 
 
"He gave his life for his country, and that's how he should be remembered," said Major Henry.