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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Apple 
Posts: 129
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| 19 Mar 2008 10:32 AM |
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My thoughts and prayers are with SSG Collin Bowen family in this time of grief and reflection. I am humbled that because of your sacrifice SSG Collin Bowen I and other Americans have the opportunity to live free and teach the next generation how grateful we are for your unwavering dedication to our American Freedoms. I am forever thankful for your service. YOU are and will always remain a "TRUE AMERICAN HERO".
Stand Down SSG Bowen your mission is complete.
Dennis (Apple) Abplanalp
Ret DoD Special OPS
St. Paris, OH
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Slowhand
Posts: 4057
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 19 Mar 2008 1:43 PM |
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| I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this American Hero who stood tall for his homeland in this very sad time in your lives, but remember that you knew a hero first hand while the rest of us just get to hear about their heroic deeds. My prayers are that our GOD may bring peace and comfort to all of you during this tragic time. Please know that not just me , but a country full of people like me owe you a debt that can never be repaid. But please know that your loved one is now serving in the Army of our LORD in heaven, and the LORD said if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and recieve you unto myself that where I am there you may be also. Know that it says in the Bible in 2nd Corinthians 5:8 , we are confident I say , willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the LORD. No one can ever say that your loved one isn't a HERO, they were willing to serve that the rest of us may enjoy the freedom we do today, and the sacrifice you and your family have endured so our nation can remain the home of the free because of the brave. We are all brothers and sisters in arms and we don't forget one of our own, rest in peace my comrade, your mission is complete and now it's time for you to rest. May GOD Bless each and everyone of you. |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 968
Asst State Capt IN
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| 19 Mar 2008 6:43 PM |
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| My sincerest prayers and deepest, heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and community of SSG Collin Bowen. God Bless. |
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Motorcycle Club - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
"Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty." |
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Andy36
Posts: 49
Ride Captain, Central MD
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| 19 Mar 2008 8:44 PM |
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I have no words to lessen the loss or to take away the pain... I know you feel, but know SSG Bowen will always be remembered. I too followed his struggle. He is an American Hero and I thank him for the peace and security he brought to us all. I hope time lessens the pain in your hearts and you are filled with nothing but the wonderful memories and love that never will. It will be an honor to escort him in Arlington...
Standing by in Baltimore, MD
-Andy
**Riding in memory of LCpl Matt Snyder USMC -03/03/2006** |
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SFC Rod
Posts: 361
Weston, Michigan 49289
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| 20 Mar 2008 12:04 AM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Collin Bowen. Collin, You Will Never Be Forgotten. Thanks for The Strong Fight.... Christmas in Arlington...
Rest easy, sleep well my brother, Collin.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell....
SFC Rod Riding in Honor...
SFC Paul Ray Smith, CMoH(P), OIF
CPL Jason L. Dunham, CMoH(P), OIF www.jasonsmemorial.org
LT(SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, CMoH(P), OEF
MSGT Woodrow Wilson Keeble, CMoH(P), Korean War
PO2(SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, OIF
www.cmohs.org
www.andyyost.com
www.jonmartinmemorial.org
www.daddywaskilled.com
www.ourfallensoldier.com
www.neverforgetourfallen.com
www.spcmathewtaylorwwo.com
www.fallenheroesmemorial.com
www.andrewnelsonmemorial.com
www.familiesunitedmission.com
www.guymadison.com Spencer Karol
www.leonderaps.net
SFC Gary L. Collins, OIF
LCPL Matthew Snyder, OIF
22 from 1/24 Marines
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Chief_Investigator
Posts: 968
Asst State Capt IN
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| 20 Mar 2008 1:28 PM |
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I just received a message from Don (Moldmaker) asking that I post this update on the site.
8:00AM tomorrow, Friday, March 21, 2008 - Bikes are to meet at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Home, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave, Marion, IN, in preparation for the escort back to the airport.
8:40AM Escort leaving funeral home parking lot.
I know Don will thank many in his ride report for their efforts and graciousness, but I just wanted to take this opportunity and also thank those individuals from the Van Buren American Legion for standing the flag line with us today. Your patriotism and honor towards this soldier, community, and country did not go unnoticed. Thank you. |
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Ron Coleman "Chief"
U.S. Army Security Agency '73-'78
Member Blue Knights Motorcycle Club - IN Chapter XIII
"If You Don't Stand Behind Our Troops, Please, Feel Free To Stand In Front Of Them!"
"Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty." |
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swade
Posts: 23
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| 20 Mar 2008 7:34 PM |
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| Today we were able to join the flag line for a short time before the service began. I wanted to attend the service, which was done so well. Over the past 2 months I have read everyday about Collin and his brave fight to live. I feel as if he was almost family. His brothers gave such good detailed information during his hospital say, as they also did today. The slide show was awsome, from smiles to tears, just a look into the life of an average person who became a hero to his country. Words can not express ... how special he was to so many people, here in the USA and also in the war zone so far away. He touched many lives in his 38 years, and I know he touched mine. Though I never met him in person, thru the Caring Bridge web site and his family, I feel that I did know him. Collin will be missed by many but never forgotten. May God Bless his family and keep them in his loving arms, as he has Collin with him now. Onnie |
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mattsmom
Posts: 1503
North Beach, Maryland
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| 20 Mar 2008 9:09 PM |
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| SSG Bowen, I am so truly sorry for the battle you endured here on earth. You are so deeply appreciated. I know you stand now a hero at heaven's gates, along with all our fallen warriors who have gone before you. Your noble and selfless mission here is finished; rest easy now with our Lord, Collin, with the assurance you will never be forgotten. |
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Thank you for your service and sacrifice in defending and protecting our freedoms. As a nation we mourn your loss, and we will remember you always as a true American hero. To the family, I offer my prayers and support. I understand a little of what you are going through-my son, a Marine LCpl, was killed in Iraq. I pray wonderful memories of your dear warrior help eventually to ease the pain you endure today. Your hero will never be forgotten-he leaves a legacy of honor and courage that few will ever achieve. God bless you. Julie Francis, Matt's Mom |
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Russell
Posts: 367
Silver Lake, Indiana NE IN SR RC
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| 21 Mar 2008 12:52 PM |
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My thanks to all who participated in SSGT Bowen's service.
Though I was not able to be there for the service, I have heard from many that the IPGR's presence was greatly appreciated.
I am very thankful to have such a dedicated group here in northeast Indiana.
Thanks to Sherriff Himelick, who sent me these links from the Indy Star.
Russ Bauer
NE IN SR RC
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Russ Bauer
Russ' Barn & Grille (a gathering place)
Home of The '06, '07 & '09 Indiana Patriot Guard Rally
www.barnbunch.com Site of all things biker |
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UncleGary
Posts: 54
Seabrook, TX
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| 21 Mar 2008 2:46 PM |
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Like many others, we followed the day to day battle of SFC Collin Bowen. We however, had the privilege and honor to meet this hero and stand at his bedside. It doesn't seem like eight weeks have gone by since we walked through the waiting room doors. Gayle had manage to call Carolyn, Collin's mom and ask, if it was alright to come and visit. We met mom, Mike, Collin's dad, and his two brothers, Justin and Shelby. We told them we were Patriot Guard Riders and were there to help. We then gave them a brief account of the PGR. After that, "the Quilt Lady" opened up her bag of wares and presented Carolyn with a quilt. Justin, then took us into Collin's room and made the introductions. It was a truly humbling experience. From then on, every other Saturday we made the trip to BAMC. The next trip we got to meet Ursula. What a brave young lady. Since it was Mardi-Gras, we handed out beads. Don't worry no one had to show anything. Again, we got to go into Collin's room for a visit. You would have thought, living in Texas, we could have found a big enough 'Get Well' card. Well, we used the PGR flag to accommodate all the signatures and 'well wishes'. In our previous visits we got to listen to the sounds emitted by 'Big Willie' & the 'Chugster'. I had asked Collin's mom what type of music does he like? She replied rock & roll. So included in the batch of cd's were 'Harley Road Songs' Vol 1-2. (of course) Our last trip out we got to meet Gabriela. What a sweetheart. While mom and grandma were in with Collin, Gayle read her a story. Then, Gabriela showed us how she could talk to her daddy on her Barbie laptop.
To Carolyn, Mike, Justin, Shelby and Ursula, thank you for letting us get to know an American hero. May your sorrow be brief and may you find solace in the knowledge that the people of this country do care about the sacrifice made by Collin. You are always welcome down in Texas. There will be a cold beer and a fishing pole waiting.
Collin, thank you. It was an honor to have met you. We shall never forget. One other thing, Ursula says you are quite the 'computer geek'. If you
can figure out a 'hack' to penetrate that 'big firewall' you need to send an email to a certain Barbie laptop.
Our utmost respect and gratitude,
Gary and Gayle "the Quilt Lady"
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db4175
Posts: 1075
Montesano, Washington
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| 21 Mar 2008 5:17 PM |
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| I wish to offer my sincere prayers and condolences to the family and friends of SSG Bowen. Whose service to this country will never be forgotten by those who have gone before and those yet to serve. May the family find strength and peace in Gods grace. |
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Riding in memory of Bernice T. Bach 1LT USA Nurse Corp. WWII, Saipan and in support of 1SG Thomas Buettner a true soldier and my son-in-law. May God watch over them all.
Don Berry
SFC (Retired)
US Army 1964 - 1986
Vietnam 1969 -1970 1972 -1973
Freemasons Riding Club
Patriot Guard Rider
Washington Patriot Guard
“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?”
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McEvitts
Posts: 0
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| 22 Mar 2008 8:46 AM |
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| God Bless SSGT Collin Bowen. Standing by in Fairfax. |
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Susan Sturgis
Posts: 7077
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett
FORUM MODERATOR
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| 22 Mar 2008 9:11 AM |
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| UPDATE Maryland portion for this Hero. |
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BootLady
#34204
TOU Enforcement Agent
"In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II
"You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete." |
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ddaddyo
Posts: 669
Fort Wayne, In ..... IN. PGR Chaplain N/E In. R/C
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| 22 Mar 2008 10:14 AM |
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Gary & Gayle, Thank you for taking care of the Hoosiers while they were in Texas. I wanted to let you know The Quilt was Proudly displayed at the entrance to the church, at Collin's service, along side a poster from Chuck Norris and many cards for Collin, from "little people". It's folks like you that make the PGR the outstanding orgnazation that it is. On behalf of all your Hoosier PGR brothers & sisters, Thank You.
God Bless
Pat |
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<>< Jesus-Got-Er-Done ><>
Riding With Respect For
Bob Berta: 31E Row 85
Bob Davis: 22E Row 38
Both 21 years old.............. Forever |
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ddaddyo
Posts: 669
Fort Wayne, In ..... IN. PGR Chaplain N/E In. R/C
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| 22 Mar 2008 10:30 AM |
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Here's a video link to Collin's return to Marion In. Scroll down to view, it's about midway through the list.
http://www.wane.com/ |
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<>< Jesus-Got-Er-Done ><>
Riding With Respect For
Bob Berta: 31E Row 85
Bob Davis: 22E Row 38
Both 21 years old.............. Forever |
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dwj
Posts: 520
" DJ "
Danny Jordan
Camino, CA.
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| 23 Mar 2008 5:31 PM |
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| SSG Collin Bowen, our heartfelt condolences go to your family and friends. Your Brothers-in-Arms, who have gone before you, are welcoming you now. Your fight is over. May you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten!! |
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Danny W. Jordan, SFC, US Army, Retired 1973- 1985
American Legion Rider - President ALR Post 119
Area#1 Vice President Northern CA.
Run For The Wall Family.
Greater Love Has No One Than This, That He Lay Down His Life For His Friends.
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mold maker
Posts: 225
Marion, In
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| 23 Mar 2008 8:08 PM |
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| Ride report for the Marion part of Collins mission.I left for Collins escort at 3:30 pm weds march 19,08. Arrived at 3:50 pm. There were a few PGR there as well as Terry McCray,senior RC for north central Indiana and also assitted me, riders meeting was at 4:30pm,Russ Bauer said our prayer and the pledge to our flag/country,We left to stand on the tarmack and wait for Collin to arrive. I seen Collins Brother Justin and Shelby. As I was talking with Justin, I made the comment bout how cold,rainy,and windy it was. Justin said yes it is,then he paused and said, thats just how Collin would want it.He was a tuff and rugged man with determination behond belief. The plane was coming in,we were standing in one long line as Kalitta Charters Falcon 10 jet taxied and turned 30 yards in front of us. Collin was deplaned by his comrads in arms with all the honor and respect due our National Hero,our home town Hero!After being dismissed, we rushed back to the bikes,between 24-28 bikes braved the weather.The motorcade was very long with more LEO's than I have ever seen,fire and emergency personel and the fire dept. had the garison flag hanging from 2 ladder trucks on highway 9 that we all passed under. People were on the sidewalks,standing in front of there homes, holding american flags,honoring Collin as he came by. It was so hard to ride the bike trying to wipe my eyes at the same time.We went past Marion High School where Collin played ball and tennis,we paused for awhile, that was hard to keep it together, then we went to Matter Park. Collin had invested more hours than you can count on the tennis courts,we all paused again, another tuff moment, then we proceeded to Needham,Storey,Wapner Funeral home, parked the bikes and hurried to form a line when Collin was takin inside the home. I desmissed the PGR. I headed with Tatay to the 31 Club. I was told by our sister PGR Jennifer More that a fund raiser was going on and that we were all welocme to come out. I paid my respects and had a bottled water,i'm on dee bike guys,and thanked all for doing this. I found out the next day that With Jennifers help and all who helped put the fund raiser together, the patrons of the 31 Club had raised -get this folks over $8600 for the wife/kids of Collin. I wish you could have seen Jen go, she was rakin in the bucks. Thurs morning left for the funeral home at 10:30 am,sunny and 35 out. Arrived at 10:45 am and again some PGR were waiting,had the riders meet at 11:20am 18 bikes and a few cages. Cages left with Terry to set up a flag line just before the riders meeting. Prayer was offered and the pedge to our flag and country was given. 11:35,Collin was placed in the Hearst. We got on the bikes and followed behind Collins wife as we escorted him to the church with Marion/Grant County LEOS.We arrived at the church and hurried to get off the bikes . We all formed up at the hearse as Collin was taken inside. Service began at 12 noon,til1 pm. PGR stood down during the service. At 1 pm for visitation, we formed the flag line until a bit after 7pm that evening. I went inside during visitation to pay my respects to Collin and family. Folks, this family is pure class. They were so gracious to all of us.It was hard to speak,this large lump had developed in my throat,so we all hugged ,very tight,and I managed to tell Ursula, Justin,Shelby, and his kids,parents, will always remember Collin and we will continue to pray for all of them. I went back and stood my post the rest of the day as well as some great PGR members. A little after 7 pm, we escorted Collin back to the funeral home for the evening. We were dimissed after Collin was safely back in the funeral home. Thurs,march 21,08, Left for the funeral home at 7:30am, cold windy 35out.Arrived at 8am and a few PGR were there. Riders meeting was at 8:20 am, prayer and pledge followed. LEOS led out as we Followed the procession back to the airport. When we arrived, Collins plane was waiting. We hurryed and formed a line infront of the Terminal,I was standing next to Collins wife and she was flanked by Ed Beaty,Grant county Sheriff dept. I told Collins wife how sorry we all were again and gave her a hug and told her we won't forget Collin,she hugged me back, then Collin was put aboard the plane,the door was sealed and we were dismissed. We had 16 bikes and a few cages and many thanks to follow. Thanks to Sheriff Darrell Heimlick and Chief of Police david Gillbert for all there help. You are to be commended for all that you do for our heros.Nate McBee and Ed Beaty, you never let us down when we need you. Always top notch professionalism, thank you both for your service to Collin and to our community and for keeping ur brothers in the PGR safe as we ride to honor our heros. Thanks to the Redkey post of the Indiana State Poilce for your support. Thanks to Terry McCray, Russ Bauer, Ron Collman for your help and support during this mission. Thanks to Jack Grose, he was responsible for telling fire and other townships,gas city chief of police,Kirk McCullam, Larry Leah,Gas City Mayor-Duke Eastes,Marion fire-David Linn,Gas City fire chief-Bob Jackson, assit. fire cief in Mill twpfire dept. Bod told all other twp fire dept. in the county.Thanks to Mill washington and Center twp for the trucks and ur support- I would also like to thank the American Red Cross for being at the funeral home thurs morning and at the church thurs -all day. The hot drinks and veggie/chili soup was great and all the other treats, Some really enjoyed the donuts-ALOT. Not naming names hehehe. Thanks again to Jen for all you did to make the fund raiser a big success. You one awsome lady. Thanks to the HOG owners group-abate-American legion riders- and the various VFW riders. Thanks to Larry Wilson,veterans affairs for grant county. If I left anyone out,please forgive me. Thanks to Orphan for your help. Last but DARN SURE NOT LEAST, Thanks to all who came out and braved the weather for Collin and thanks to all who posted threads. May God Bless You ALL and thank you for honoring SSG. Collin J. Bowen and family- GODS SPEED COLLIN UR SADLY MISSED, mold maker, RC. grant county. One final thing. altogether we had 5 new members ride there first mission, Welcome to the IPGR and thanks for what you do!! ONe more thing I forgot to mention, Pat Braise offered the prayer after the riders meeting Thurs. |
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imezgoin
Posts: 27
Occoquan VA
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| 23 Mar 2008 8:21 PM |
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| To the family of SSG Bowen,
My family offers its' deepest sympathy to you upon your terrible loss. We have spent the nights you have spent wondering who would be the names in the nightly news. We honor and respect the sacrifices you make and have made. We will be with you as bring Collin to his final rest at ANC on Tuesday, where he will join the heros there before him. God bless you all
Standing by in Occoquan VA
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truman
Posts: 6
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| 24 Mar 2008 5:51 AM |
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| Our heartfelt condolences to the family of SSG Collin Bowen. You are a true American Hero. |
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justus
Posts: 838
Ride Captain........ Greer SC
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| 24 Mar 2008 6:12 AM |
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| My most heart wrenching condulences to the Bowen's for the loss of such a brave and inspiring hero. People like Collin are the reason why we are a free nation. Thankyou Collin for defending me and my family. |
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RickyV
SC RC
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."....Ben Franklin
www.myspace.com/justus88 |
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pmmspeed
Posts: 54
Grasonville,MD
MD Ride Captian
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| 24 Mar 2008 6:42 AM |
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| Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of SFC Collin Bowen. Collin's selfless acts in the service of our nation will not go unnoticed.
If anyone wants to ride over from the Eastern Shore I will be at the Exxon at Rt 50 exit 39B on Kent Island .Kick stands up at 6:45AM. Post a response if you plan on meeting me there. |
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Patrick Murray |
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Andy36
Posts: 49
Ride Captain, Central MD
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| 24 Mar 2008 5:44 PM |
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If anyone is coming through, in or around the Baltimore area or points north, I will be meeting at 1591 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD 21090. The address listed is for a Hoyts Cinema, from 295 South off the exit, make a left. The cinema sits back and on the left about 1 mile down. I'll be at the top of the lot behind the gas station. There is a gas station in front with facilities/coffee. Meeting time 6-615. Kick Stands Up 630. 443-871-0364. I know of two meeting me there, I look forward to more.
-Andy
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Joyce68
Posts: 32
PA & MD
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| 24 Mar 2008 8:09 PM |
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As a Soldier's Angel I was following SSG Bowen's journey. My sincerest condolences to SSG Bowen's family and friends. To SSG Bowen - Thank you for your commitment to keep our country free. An American Hero...Peace be thine, Joyce
Soldier's Angel, PGR PA and MD |
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“They didn't want to go to war, they didn't want to leave their families, but when their country asked them to, they did, because they thought it was the right thing to do.”
-Norman Schwarzkopf
For this country, this Warrior has stood the watch.
While some of us were in our beds at night, this Warrior stood the watch.
While some of us were in school learning our trade, this Warrior stood the watch.
Yes, even before some of us were born into this world ... this Warrior stood the watch.
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history this Warrior stood the watch.
Many times he would cast an eye home and see his family standing there ... needing his guidance and help ... needing that hand to hold during those hard times ... but still he stood the watch.
He stood the watch for years, He stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety each and every night knowing that a Warrior stood the watch.
Today we are here to say “Friend, the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have led, guided, and trained. You stand relieved. We have the watch.”
REMEMBER OUR VETS, LEST WE FORGET! |
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Sandy9999
Posts: 1295
Westminster, MD
Ride Captain
Forum Moderator
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| 25 Mar 2008 2:48 PM |
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| It was truly an honor to stand for SSG Collin Bowen at his services today. He was a true American hero and will not be forgotten! My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time. |
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Sandy Hohne, Carroll County, Maryland Ride Captain and Forum Moderator
TOU Enforcement Agent
ASA"Brat" - (Army Security Agency)
In God they trusted, all others they monitored... |
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tattootaz
Posts: 176
Spring Lake
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| 25 Mar 2008 5:35 PM |
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| my condolences go out to the family and friends of our fallen hero. PEACE |
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Michigan Region 3 Ride Capt. |
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