On Tuesday August 2, SSGT Kirk Owen was leading his squad of scouts (Alpha: 1/279: 45th IBCT), doing reconnaissance in the Kardiz region of Afghanistan when a large IED exploded under his vehicle. Twenty-one soldiers were injured; SSGT Owen was the only fatality. His platoon leader, also his best friend, was the first to reach him.
This brave solider who put himself in the most vulnerable position on purpose, in order to protect his young squad and was killed… was my baby brother.
I share this with you as a friend, knowing that many of you have had similar events touch your lives. I find it easier to write about this than talk to anyone. It goes without saying that this has been difficult for us. Especially for his two teenage daughters who knew that their father hung the moon and stars, and his wife that loves him more than can be described.
My parents, trying to be strong for everyone else, have had difficulty. As I stay in their house during this family crisis, I hear my mother crying late into the night. I watch my father take long walks in the woods and return with red eyes and tear stains on his cheeks.
My brother joined the military later in life than most. He felt a calling so strong he told me once it was truly physical. At 31 years of age he went to basic training and excelled. He went on to be top of his class where his MOS, his chosen career, was as a Chaplain’s Assistant, the man guarding the back, of the man of God. He chose to alter his path and become full-time with the Oklahoma National Guard in an infantry billet. Yet, he was still that solider others could depend on, with a quiet message of faith. He moved quickly through Air Assault School and at the age of 36 became Ranger qualified. On the sixteenth of this month, he would have been 37.
I have just recently returned from Dover AFB in Delaware where I watched, with his wife, how reverently and dignified he was handled upon his arrival back to U.S. soil. Every Solider, Airman, Marine and Sailor had words of grief for their fallen brother. I say this so that those like my father (U.S. Army Ranger; 1961-1972), who served when this country had a different opinion of service men and women, can feel the sense of pride and honor that we all have after having witnessed my brother’s dignified return.
I need no posts of prayers sent. I need no caring statements. I thank you for those without the need for expressing them. I know that all of you can understand my loss. He was my first, my best and my truest friend. The woods will always be dimmer and the colors forever muted now that my hunting partner has gone. We rely on the Good Lord to get us through this even though it seems to me that even His mighty arms are little comfort to me just now.
OkKeith
Topic: Another Brave Solider has fallen... (Read 2399 times)
