SSG Collin Bowen, 38, Marion, IN, 19, 20 MAR/Millersville, MD, 25 MAR/ANC, 25 MAR 08 > Patriot Guard Forums - Americans Doing the Right Thing

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Subject: SSG Collin Bowen, 38, Marion, IN, 19, 20 MAR/Millersville, MD, 25 MAR/ANC, 25 MAR 08

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Operationeaglefeather User is Offline

Posts: 12
Pasadena, Maryland

25 Mar 2008 6:18 PM	Alert
To the family of SSG Collin Bowen I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you all. It was a honor to stand for Collin and escort him to his final resting place in the Hallowed Grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Collin, you have fought a long brave battle, stand down now brave warrior, your mission is complete, you can rest now and you will not be forgotten.

Asmodeus

Posts: 798
State Captain
Maryland & DC

26 Mar 2008 8:19 AM	Alert
Maryland Ride Report As is my daily routine, I got up and headed for the computer on the morning of 14 March 2008. First internet stop was to check-in on Collin's progress. We all knew from the day before that he was having a rough time of it and was anxious to hear he had rallied. At first I thought there was no update logged yet, but then I noticed that under his picture had been placed: January 18, 1970 - March 14, 2008. That's not supposed to happen, this is to be a joyous Welcome Home. Some big bad biker I am. Sitting at a laptop with tears running down my face. Thinking of Daddy's little girls. Young Gabriela who will have very little memory of her father. Katelyn and Erin who will miss him everyday and not have the benefit of his wisdom as they grow and mature. Ursula, who will have to find the strength to somehow heal herself, as well as her family and find peace in her life without her soulmate. His brothers, mother and father who all played their part in fostering his competitive nature, integrity, patriotism and dedication. With those thoughts is it any wonder we cry? He was our hero too. On Tuesday, 25 March 2008, Patriot Guard Riders came together at St Mary's Catholic Church in Hyattsville, MD. From West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland we rode to pay homage to our fallen hero. Our Arlington National RCs met at Murphy's Funeral Home and provided escort for the hearse to the church, where our main body of riders awaited to render our respect. SFC Bowen was saluted into the church as was his family as our flag lines were set at the front of the church steps. We maintained our vigil throughout the visitation hour and through the funeral Mass. Early in the visitation Katelyn and Erin were brought around our Flag lines and shook hands with each Rider. I was not the only one choked up at the poise and sadness of these young ladies. As the military pallbearers returned the casket to the hearse we once again rendered honors. The Lead Ride Captain, Kevin Rock then presented the PGR Plaque to Mrs. Bowen and teddy bears to each daughter. Prince George's County PD escorted the procession to the Washington D.C. line and the Patriot Guard took over. With D.C. Police refusing to support our procession we still managed to keep a very long line of vehicles together through I295, I395 and downtown D.C. traffic. A very special thank you to Chief Norris of the Landover Hills Police Department. Without his police vehicles and the Baltimore PD vehicles in the procession we could not have pulled it off. Their police lights in the procession and at the tail end made it possible for us to spot the end of the line and keep everything together. We did not lose anyone. The final leg of our escort to graveside in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. A very special place for Collin. The place he told his wife he wanted to be buried. A final resting place among his peers. A place we have been too many times in the past 2 years. A solemn, quiet place of rest for so many of our heroes. We formed our lines at a respectful distance and rendered our salutes during Military Honors, 21 gun salute and Taps. We watched as the flag was folded and then presented on bended knee, with thanks on behalf of a grateful nation. Our lines were reformed on the side of the street and final salutes given to the family as they left the cemetery. Thank you very much to the entire family for allowing us the honor of paying respects to Collin. You let a group of strangers into your time of grieving and allowed us to grieve with you, both here in Maryland and in Indiana. You allowed us the chance to show that the words "on behalf of a grateful nation" are not just words, they ring very true. We honor his sacrifice and his service, but also yours. Without the support of a strong family willing to share that sacrifice on their behalf, our Warriors would be few. It is the family that must carry the burden at home and the lifelong sorrow of loss. SFC Collin Bowen, stand down sir. We have the watch. Rest in peace, your pain is gone. You will live on as a hero in the eyes of your children, your family and your nation. Never Forgotten. Brian Parnes Asst. State Captain, MD. Patriot Guard Riders

Brian Parnes State Captain Maryland & D.C. (StateCaptain@mdpatriotguard.org) People who live in ivory towers are detached from the world around them.

swade

Posts: 23

26 Mar 2008 10:58 AM	Alert
Once again I cried for the Bowen family. Thank you Brian for your report, I'm so glad the PGR is everywhere. I know Collin has assumed his rightful place in Arlington along side his fellow soldiers and hero's of our country. My prayers still go out to his family. I was able to be in the escort,flag line and service in Marion, though I never met him I learned how special of a person Collin was. He will be missed but never forgotten. May God Bless him, the family,our soldiers and the PGR. Onnie

82ndMom

Posts: 3
Frederick County, MD

28 Mar 2008 12:59 PM	Alert
Our deepest condolences to SSG Collin Bowen's family and friends. May your grief be replaced with wonderful memories of your lives shared. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Board Members of the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, Inc.

“Only two people have ever offered to die for you. One was Jesus Christ and the other is the American GI. One died for your soul, the other died for your freedom." "Giving a gift back to those who serve"

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Forums > Mission Information > PGR - Archives > SSG Collin Bowen, 38, Marion, IN, 19, 20 MAR/Millersville, MD, 25 MAR/ANC, 25 MAR 08

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