Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Sam, I remember the last conversation we had before the day I would never see you again. Man...............I still dream about it to this day. For me, this wound will never go away. I love you Sam."
SPC Craig L. Fountain Sr. of Cleveland, Ohio

"Sam,
I visited your grave site last summer but I always visit you in my heart. Known on this Veterans Day 2015 that when someone thanks me for my service it's you I will defer too! The day you join our section and moved in with us in Iraq, you were the ultimate example to all of us! Always forever in my heart - a true battle buddy!"
Jeff of Maumee ( Perrysburg) Ohio

"It will have been 11 years tomorrow that you were taken away from us. There isn't a moment in the day that I don't think about you and the sacrifice you made. You will never be forgotten and always missed. Love you brother!"
SPC. Mike Meyer B CO, 216 EN BN "Replacements" of Hamilton, OH

"SPC Bowen; thanks for your leadership and service to this nation. I'm reminded of your service daily; your photo hangs proudly on the wall at the engineer brigade headquarters. Essayons!"
Dion Goins of Cincinnati, ohio

"It's hard to believe it's been almost 9 years since I heard your voice. I know you and "Big Country" are busy catching up.
Rest easy babe. Love & miss you still . . ."
V of Cleveland, Ohio

"It's been 8 years today. Your memory still lives on Sam. Every year starting July 1st... I have a mental countdown until today. I try to shake it, but I can't... I won't let myself. Sam... you may be gone, but never forgotten."
Shaun of Ohio

"tothefamily/iknowsomekywillalwaysbein
ourhearts.hewasanumberoneyoungman.he
lovehisfamily.heismyfamilytoandiwll
alwayskeephiminmyheart.loveyousomkey"
angietindley of berlin/md

"To the family of:Samuel R.Bowen
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"3-1-11"

"Sam,
You will always be missed. I still think of you daily. I can't get the thought of you and Ryan out of my head. You were a fellow soldier, a great person, and my friend. I will always remember you! Merry Christmas Sam."
SSG Shaun Ruvoldt of Saint Marys, OH

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH

"Sam back in the sand box and I have been thinking of you alot I miss you so much. I wish you were here I always felt save with you around. I just sent an email to your sister looking forward to meeting her when I get out of Afghan.
I miss you so much and thanks forever thing you taught me and you are not forgotten. You are a true friend."
Ronald Helmick of Glen Burnie, MD

"Another year has passed and his beautiful spirit and memory still remain in my heart! My thoughts and prayers go out to you."
SSG Jill Y. Miller of Dallas, Texas

"I served with Sam in Iraq and he was a great man! I will always remember him as a great person and soldier! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you!"
Jackie Baum of West Chester, OH

"I served with Sam while we served in Iraq with 216th Engineer Battalion. He was an amazing man. Always doing whatever it took to help the mission go smoother or faster. He could always make me smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bowen Family."
Kelly Foster/ Cline of Cincinnati, OH

"I have Sam's photo on my front door to honor him every day. I served with Sam in Iraq he was a true Hero. God Bless."
Sgt. Jean Lawson of Indianapolis, Indiana USA

"Mrs Bowen & Family, I served with Sam and I was a member of the 216th Engineer BN in Iraq. My prayers go out to you and your family. I have many many fond memories of him. Sam was truly a wonderful soldier with a heart of gold. He will not be forgotten! God Bless you today and always. Jill.Miller@us.army.mil"
SGT Jill Y. Miller of Dallas, Texas

"I can't believe it is coming up on 4 years that you have been gone. Melanie, I hope you and the kids are well. I worked with Sam at the Hilton Hotel. He was such an honorable gentleman. I think of him often. You were blessed to have him in your life."
Laura of Cleveland, Ohio

"April 29, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Samuel R. Bowen:
Samuel gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"It is over 3 1/2 years since you left and I still can't beleive you are gone. One day you taught me how to play dominoes and the next day you were gone. After I heard the news I was so shocked and didn't know what to do. I always think about you and miss you so much. You will always be in our hearts forever. Me, Sanders, Jones, Flannagin, Lybia, MSG Cockrell plus many more miss you so much. You are standing next to God looking down on all your friends and family. May God bless them and keep them in our prayers forever. Love you Battle."
SPC Carneka Green of Columbus, Ohio

"Mrs. Bowen,
I served with your husband in Iraq. I seen him often and he would always bring a smile to my face. He was always so easy to talk with. I wear a braclet everyday with his name on it. I think about what a special person he was and how he always had a smile. I will always remember him. Bless you."
Deb Charles of Lucasville, Ohio

"Sam, God bless you and all the other men and women of America's armed forces who serve their country with pride and distinction."
Rollin O. Bowen, Jr. of Mesa, AZ.

"I am not sure if Melanie checks this still...

I wear a Hero Bracelet with your husband's name on it. Please know that there are others that appreciate his life and sacrifice."
Sarah Horton of St. Louis, MO

"Mrs Bowen I forgot to leave my email it is Ronlad.m.helmick@us.army.mil thanks"
Ronald Helmick of Ft Irwin CA

"Mrs Bowen if you read this I served with your husband over in Iraq he looked after me like a father and touched my life in a major way God bless you and your family. I am from Glen Burnie md he told me that his son and I had went to the same highschool please contact me so i can tell you all the wonderful things he used to tell me he touched me so that I got his named tatooed on my arm for the memory of a life long friend."
Ronald Helmick of FT Irwin California

"SAMUEL IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND IT STILL DOES NOT SEEM REAL THAT YOUR GONE! YOU TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY BECAUES YOU WOULD BE HOME. I MISS YOUR CALLS AND YOUR VOICE. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE ALWAYS GIVING OF YOURSELF. I KNOW I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN I JUST WISH IT WAS NOW.

I WILL AWAY LOVE YOU!

YOUR WIFE MELANIE BOWEN"
MRS. MELANIE BOWEN of CLEVELAND, OHIO

"Sam please come back. Please tell me they're lying and that you will be back any moment now. I love you with every fiber of my being. Please come back"
Tahsiyn of Cleveland.Ohio.IUsa

"All of you are true heroes. Thank you for keeping us safe."
Mrs. Arthur's 4th grade class of Nelsonville, Ohio

"Smokey, nothing could have prepared any of us for the devastation, hurt, and pain that your loss has caused. Each day brings about a new memory and new tears, no your bravery shall not be forgotten, neither shall your warm smile, or your big heart, I loved you, today I miss you, you were always a man of courage and humility, even as a child, all I can do is pray that our God loved you best, and know that he has taken one of our best.....miss you, love you, .......your sister"
Consuella DeShields of Hampton, Va.

"I never had the privilege of knowing Pfc. Bowen, but I have read his biography and know of his sacrifices. While he never made the headlines or was featured on ESPN, Pfc. Bowen served with honor and selflessness. He sacrificed much to serve his country. I clipped his obituary out of the Army Times and carry it with me as a reminder of my brothers and sisters in arms who have given their lives for our country. God Bless Pfc. Bowen and his family."
Brad of West Point, NY

"To PFC Samuel R. Bowen's Family & Friends,
From one veteran to another you will not be forgotten. My son PFC Ryan Gentry is with the 216th and was home on leave when this happened. He said you were a good friend and were the best. He attended the funeral before returning to Iraq.
Wayne Gentry, Vietnam '68-'69"
Wayne Gentry of Cincinnati, Ohio USA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Samuel will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"PFC Bowen was in my son`s company. He was so upset when he told me. I feel awful for the family, especially for his wife and children. This soldier was an angel. I had heard that he pulled a man to safty. I am proud that my son can serve his country with people like Sam. I pray for the troops daily and know what they are doing is good. It is because of their sacrifices that we have the freedoms that we enjoy today. Peace to the friends and the loved of this fine man."
Joann Maltinsky of Minster Ohio Auglaize

"Thank you Samuel for protecting our freedom. I didn't know you but my nephew was there and he told his wife you were one brave human being. His wife attended the funeral and said many people spoke of how you changed their life. Your family is damn proud of you and so am I. See you in heaven someday I want to shake your hand and say thanks."
Dave Ackels of Loveland OH

"To Samuel's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you Samuel for your service and sacrifce. Your are a hero and we will remember."
Lisa and Gino of Columbus, Ohio

"Thank you Samuel for your service and sacrifce. Your are a hero and we will remember."
Lisa and Gino of Columbus, Ohio

"To Samuel's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Private Bowen, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God grant your family comfort and peace in their time of need and sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. You will not be forgotten."
a grateful citizen in arizona

"To the family of Samuel R. Bowen.
I am so sorry for your loss. Samuel will be forever remembered as a great American hero. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family during this difficult time."
McClain family of Tucson, Az.

"Thank you Samuel Bowen, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Samuel Bowen:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Samuel for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Samuel Bowen:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Samuel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia