Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I didn't know Stephen, but today I did a 5k walk at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland in honor of him and all our Fallen Heroes. I am a retired MSG. My condolences to you and respect for your loved one, my comrade who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country."
Terry L. Jackson, MSG (Ret) of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD USA

"Bobbie,

Stephen is so much in my memory this Memorial Day. Whenever I see beanie babies, I remember all the joy and smiles that he gave to the children of Iraq.

God Bless you!"
Nadine Burroughs of Delaware

"Hey Steve, I still think of you almost daily. I've saved every letter and e-mail. Everything. I miss your laugh and your smile. Your tattoos and your wit. I've memorized you down to your scars. You were a part of my life I'll always cherish."
E of Pa

"To the family of:Stephen M.McGowan
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""

"To the family of Stephen. My son is 10 months old and this is the first March 4th of many when he will be told about McGowan and the three other friends who fell on this sad day. Their legacy will live on and we will continue to think and pray for you. I am posting a blog in their memory at www.mistyhamel.com""
Misty Hamel of Canada

"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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Dear Stephen,
How can I begin to express the impact you have had on my life, my career, my family? I can barely see through clouded eyes as I write this to you. You never met me, but you ensured the very lives and freedom of my two daughters and then unborn son (now 4), by forging a better future between them and the children of Iraq. I thought of you every day I was also voluntarily deployed on an embedded provincial reconstruction team in Babil Province, Iraq, during the Surge in 2007. Your sacrifice prompted my request to go, and it inspired me to a comparable goal for the future of Iraq as it is interwoven with ours. I am a veterinarian and pharmacologist, so we shared a common training ground of Ft. Sam Houston. I am certain we walked in the same footsteps at the AMEDD Center and School, the Riverwalk, and land nav at Camp Bullis, as we walked the same sand in Kuwait and Iraq. My mother and father, my wife, my brother, my children, all shared the same worries and nightmares about your safe return that your family anguished over the day you left for your deployment. I worked on the Central Euphrates Farmers Market Plan and the Baghdad Zoo, as well as agricultural and public health initiatives, all the while reminded of the importance of impressing our generosity and cooperative nature on the children of Iraq. Even with the perils we still face with Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other factions of radical Islam, including those within our country and even the Army, I wake every day with renewed resolve to take those risks because of you. Beanie Babies may seem a simple concept, but it was a mastery of counterinsurgency, an ideal that took many generals years to grasp until GEN Petraeus implemented the Surge. The successes of the Surge resonate to this day, and those children and their children will remember you and owe you their freedom as we do.
How do I know you and why have you had such a profound relevance for me? Every day is an effort to do credit and honor to your service. Why you, CPL McGowan, amongst all those who have fallen in Operation Iraqi Freedom? Because I had the honor of notifying your loving mother, Bobbie McGowan, of your death, a few short hours after you fell. How could I put myself in the mindset to relay to her the most traumatic news of her life in the way that I would want my family to find out? My own mother or anyone else? I had no previous training, although the military now provides this training. My only tools were the Chaplain and her one previous experience, my 9 years of bedside manner as a veterinarian, and an instantaneous respect and empathy for the catastrophic loss of your life. I could only tell her and the supportive friends who immediately came to her aid what information I was given, and I had the same questions about you that consumed them. What really happened? When were you coming home? That solemn torch had to be passed to one of my colleagues, your family's casualty assistance officer.
Every day, I've wondered if I said and did the right things. That hallway was apparently just as long for your mom as I had remembered myself - infinite. Nothing I had practiced to say could come out. I could only hug her as she apologized to ME for my responsibility - and honor. I saw a room full of boxes crammed with Beanie Babies, anxiously awaiting your return on leave for Mothers' Day. I saw photos from all throughout your life, photos that as a father I can't fathom looking at through proud but grieving eyes at my own children. Someone who called me daddy, held my finger in their little hand, and fell asleep on me when I sang "You've Got a Friend" to them. I showed your mother and her friends the pictures of my children because I wanted them to know that I knew who you fought for and that they would grow up knowing your sacrifice on their behalf.
It's been four years since I walked down that hallway, and I have not contacted your mother or sister out of respect for not wanting to freshen a wound. I know that they will likely read this message, however, and as much as I wrote it for you, Stephen, I want Bobbie and Michaela to know how sorry I am that they no longer had their son and brother with them and that I had to bear that news to them as a fallible human being. I also want to thank them for bringing you into this world and into my life. I wish that I had met you under different circumstances because then you would still be here, but I will have the honor of meeting you one day."
MAJ Scott Willens of Baltimore, MD

"Thank you Stephen, I am honoring your life by continuing to educate all I can about "do not take your freedom with out thanking the service member who paid with the highest price for it", I tell all I meet..Did you say thanks for your freedom. May God continue to bless your family with comfort and I will see you in Heaven. My sons are also serving in the Army and Navy, and I am sure they also would say. I salute you my fellow soldier. So I salute you my fellow soldier.."
Margaret Hawk of Virginia Beach VA

"February 27, 2009
To the family of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan:
Stephen 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

"Thank you Stephen for you sacrifices."
T of SF, CA

"I want to thank you all for still remembering Stephen. As his mother, I will never really be able to express what this loss is like for me. I miss his voice, his jokes, his hugs, his sweeping into the kitchen on St. Patrick's Day to get his cornbeef and cabbage--everything! But most of all, his smile...especially if he had that one eyebrow raised. Our sad anniversary is not far away, but he helps his sister and me stand up--stand up to make hime proud. God love you all!"
Bobbie McGowan of Newark, DE

"Dear Family of Stephan, I am the mother of a friend of Stephan. My son is Sfc Rodolfo Rodriguez, but he was also known as A-Rod. He was also of the 1-9th and the 506.He will be returning to Iraq this October. But I just wanted to say that you are in or thoughts and prayers. May my Father bless you and yours. And may the peace and love of Christ fill you."
Julie DeLeon of Anton, Texas

"I was standing in line, at Walmart, on Rt. 13 last week, and saw Steve's picture on their wall of fame. It brought back so many memories. I can't believe it's already been 3 years! I am keeping your family in my prayers."
Terri McGrath of Wilmington, DE

"I had the strangest dream last night, and it's taken me all morning to remember it, but I just did - it was Steve, and he and I were just sittin around catching up. We knew we hadnt seen each other in years, but it was like he had just been away for something and we had much needed reminiscing to do. I feel like I just hung out with him all night, for the first time in a long time, but certainly not the last."
gold dust of DC

"Cowboy 6 here: miss you terribly steve. And I think you still owe me a few ciggars. I'll see you in a couple decades bro .

Cowboy 6
SSG Peregrin."
Dustin Peregrin of Colorado Springs

"Ms McGowan,
I'm CPT Mike McMaster. I conducted the Memorial Ceremony for your son at Ft. Carson, CO. I vividly remember speaking with you and your daughter after the service. I was given the photo of your son in the sunset in Iraq, (the one that is posted on the front page) by your daughter.
I've moved to Allentown, PA and am in Recruiting Command now. Several weeks ago, I saw a story on 29 News called (forgive me if I mess the name up...) Face of the Fallen. The story was about Steve. Ironically, a couple of days before the story aired, I left the picture of Steve in the sunset in the pocket of my uniform blouse and it was washed.....the results were nothing short of catastrophic to me.
Is there anything I can do to get another picture from you guys? I kept that photo on the left side of my blouse because I felt close to Steve, be it through rugby or meeting you guys after the Memorial......it meant a great deal to me.
Please let me know, michael.mcmaster@us.army.mil

Your family made a large impact on me.....you are in our thoughts and prayers.

My Very Best,
Mike McMaster"
CPT Michael McMaster of Freemansburg, PA

"I don't know what to say. I just watched the powerpoint that Stephen made about his time in Iraq and is now being featured on Voices of the Fallen. I'm a grown man, and it brought me to tears. Not just out of sadness, but moreso out of unbelievable pride in our boys like Stephen. They are our finest and bravest.
I just wanted to let the family know that Cpl. McGowan has touched me, not only through his sacrifice, but through his loyalty and courage that I was witness to today. My prayers are with you."
Tyler Hisel of Lexington, Ky

"I want all of you to know Michaela and I still come here to see new messages and read old ones. We thank you for loving Stephen, and if we can help you through your loss, we will most certainly try. I can be contacted through:
bmcgowan@charterschool.org

Bobbie McGowan
Proud mother of Cpl. Stephen McGowan"
Bobbie of Delaware

"When You Go Home,
Tell Them of Us and Say,
For Their Tomorrow,
We Gave Our Today."

"wiskey by the sea... "
thanks for your stories by the old fire at hotel california brother. i miss you brother, i will never forget the first time we met, at "ktc" when we were left behind in that crumby house, and we had to walk back. not a day passes that i dont think of cowboy4... i still hurt. manchu scouts will never forget you 4."
Sgt. Sinclair, David (Reverend) of Colorado Springs

"There is a country song by KENNY CHESNEY that makes me cry when i hear it because it just reminds me of steve. the song is called.WHO YOUD BE TODAY."

"Dear Family and Loved Ones of Steve McGowan,
I had the honor of attending BCT and AIT with Steve. I only recently learned of the sacrifice he made. Steve was a good friend, and as I remember him, an honorable soldier. I am thankful to have known him, and I will never forget him."
Jesse Thornton of Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA

"Dear Bobbi,

It’s December 9, 2006 and I just finished watching the ABC evening news. They ran a segment on the families of fallen soldiers. Towards the end of the segment they panned some of the gravestones at Arlington; one was them was Stephen’s. It was so unexpected. I was surprised and a little bit stunned. My thoughts immediately turned to Stephen and to you and Michaela.

I know that this time of year is difficult for you. Please know that you are all in my prayers.

God bless you,"
Tim Neal of Wilmington, DE

"Dear McGowan Family,

I am honored to have been a friend of Steve's. His memory will forever inspire me."
Brian Guest of Los Angeles, California

"Dear McGowan Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you."
Julie DiDonato Graham of Newark, DE

"CPL McGowan is a good friend of mine. We were at BCT and AIT together. I learned of Steves passing the day I left Iraq. It hit me hard. I thought it was over when i crossed the border to kuwait. It is never over. The loss of Steve has effected hundreds of people and his sacrifice has effected the lives of 100 times that. CPL McGowan is a courageous, fearless leader and I am proud to have served with him. God Bless the McGowan family.WE WILL NEVER FORGET."
Doc Roush of Ft Jackson SC

"Dear McGowan family,

I knew your son like many other service members on this page, we were in Charlie Co. during AIT. In the short time that I knew him he was truly an upstanding man and a good friend. Heaven is a little brighter now. God bless your family."
SGT Charlene Barding 91W of USAHC Hanau, Germany

"To the family of Stephen McGowen my deepest condolences for the lost of a great hero. I hope I have the right address for I will be sending out a quilt to honor your son by honoring you. Your pain non of us know what it feels like unless we walk your shoes. I pray for strength that God will give you so you can take those step you need to in order to survive the heavy heart you carry day in and day out. Your son made a different in this world and will never be forgotten. He care for his country and family and show it by serving his country. Not many would be brave enough to do that but your son did. For the family it's still not easy for you have to live day in and day out with out him but look at it this way he is walking with the Lord side by side doing his part in heaven to try and make this world a better place. So you see he is still very loving and caring and still making a huge different. God bless and take care and if you ever need to email me my email is debeniel@ncn.net and my website is www.freedomquilts.net Please if you know of others that have lost a son or daughter or a spouse please have them email me so I can make sure they receive a quilt also."
Betty Nielsen(Freedom Quilts Inc.) of Fonda, IA.

"I am really sorry to here about your loss a was typeing my name in the computer beacause my name is also Michaela Mcgowan but i live in england i am really sorry to here about the death of your son and brother and think that it is good to have all this stuff about himon the computer(Kayla8@hotmal.co.uk)"
Michaela louiseMcgowan of Newcastle england

"mrs mcgowan,i am the girl who wrote the message last year after steves passing and i told you we went through basic together and sat together on the plane.well i have just been thinking about steve because i know its been a year.and because my husband is about to head back to iraq for the 3rd time this july.my husband and i were just looking at the list looking for the name of one of his soldiers who passed and coincidentaly his name is directly under steves.(michael mcglothin). it hit us very hard. we just want to tell you that you are in our prayers and will continue to be forever more. it is very hard to be a miltary wife but i cant even imagine bieng a military mother. my heart goes out to you for being so strong. god bless you."
robinlynn biscaia (williams) of fort hood texas

"I can hardly believe it's been an entire year...I feel like I just talked to you yesterday. I miss you so much and I am hurting without you here; I know everyone is. Please watch over us all. I love you"

"On the one year anniversary know that I am thinking of you and your family."
Casey Arciola of Elmsford, New York

"Oh Steve,

God I miss you. I've been thinking about you lately my friend. I am so greatful that you had the opportunity to become the man I always thought you'd be. I am so greatful that it seems like you finally knew you were that man. I love you and miss you. I am so proud of you. But, it's hard my friend, not to be so mad sometimes. I know you're with me, kid.

Mrs. D and Michaela,

I love you guys. I hope you're ok. If you need anything ... well ... you know.

All my love"
Tory (Windley) McHugh of Newark, DE

"To the loved ones of Stephen M. McGowan,
May each day that passes serve to act as a large band-aid over the wounds of your heart. May you never feel without hope, courage, and strength to carry on.
And may you find peace to continue.

I am not a fantastic poet, but may these words somehow bring you comfort to know someone is thankful for Stephen has done.

Bravery
How Many Men Will Die

Before I will truly be FREE?

What is the value of a soldiers life

Who gives his life for me?

He walks through hell, sees friends die

But he does not weep, he will not cry.

He will stay until the bitter end, knowing

it may be years before seeing home again.

Some people call him a murderer, even curse his name.

If they were there, would they feel the same?

When he returns, which way will it be? Will

he walk or return in a casket draped with a

flag for all to see?

He'll risk his life so I may be, in the land

of opportunity, home of the free!"
Jorie L. Walker of Wilmington, DE

"I attended 91W school with Steven, he was a down to earth guy and very funny. Sadly, I heard about his leaving months after the fact. I wish his family and friends the best wishes during the holiday season. God bless."
Dustin Tawatao, SPC, US Army of Irvine, CA

"Stephen; we never met, but we share the same name.
Thank you for your courage and conviction to
serve in our military and do what was right to protect
our liberty and freedom as Americans."
Stephen McGowan of Redwood City, Ca

"Stephen; we never met, but we share the same name.
Thank you for your courage and conviction to
serve in our military and do what was right to protect
our liberty and freedom as Americans."
Stephen McGowan of Redwood City, Ca

"MRS. MCGOWAN
I'M NOT SURE HOW OFTEN YOU READ THIS BUT I WAS A FRIEND OF YOUR SON'S. WE WENT TO AIT TOGETHER AT FT. SAM. YOUR SON WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON WITH A KIND HEART. IT'S TAKEN ME ALOT OF TIME TO WRITE THIS OR TRY TO CONTACT. MCGOWAN HAD WRITTEN ME A LETTER ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE HE DIED TO TELL ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY. HE TRIED 8 DAYS BEFORE MY 22 BIRTHDAY. I HAVE SOME PICTURES FROM FT. SAM JUST BEFORE HE LEFT FOR AIRBORNE IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES. YOU CAN CONTACT ME AT trista.parker@us.army.mil"
SPC PARKER, TRISTA of WASHINGTON, DC

"Hello Mrs McGowan:
Its so great to know the rest of the scouts in my nephew 1st sgt, Eachos team are home safe, I can't wait to see them all to thank them for taking care of Don the way they must have .
I had heard there wasn't enough room at Ft Carson so some had to go to Hotels .What a change that must have been. I hope they have a pool!!! They deserve it. I hope to see them when they put our loved ones on the wall in CO.
Bonnie Dons wife is coming to Wi. the week before Labor Day we are so happy shes coming. Of course shes bringing the the boys . We love her to pieces. It is still very hard for her.
Before the guys came home I sent one more box of toys for the kids in Iraq. Not to much junk food though . How is the Bennie Baby drive going?
God Bless you and the rest of your family.
Auntie Sally"
Sally Kleinhans of Slinger Wi.

"Hello to all of you who knew my big brother. I can not express to you how hard the past few months have been, I was very close with my brother, and it feels like half of me has been taken away. I wanted to write this to let each of you who served with Steve know that you are all in the prayers of my family, you are our heroes as well as my brother. It has given us comfort to hear from you all. My mother and I would like it if you have any stories about my brother, to email them to us so we can keep them in memory of him. We are so glad that we were able to share him with you all. He has impacted so many lives and my mother and I are humbled to have had him bless our lives. I miss him with all my heart. You can send your stories to Irisheyes5205@yahoo.com, thank you and God bless you all."
Michaela McGowan of King of Prussia, PA USA

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

"To those how loved Stephen:
I had the great pleaser of serving with Cpl McGowan in Iraq, where in the same unit. I just wanted to say how much we all loved this man. He was one of are shine stars, every one new him. He was a good friend and a great medic. We all miss him."
SPC Shane Puffer of Ramadi, Iraq

"Dear McGowan family,
We lost our son, Nicholas Kirven, in an intense fight with insurgents on Mother's Day. He was clearing out a cave after 5 hours of fighting and was ambushed by insurgents.
We live in Fairfax, VA, about 30 minutes from Arlington Cemetery and go to visit Nicholas at least once a week. Our cousin is Kathy Connolly and she had told us about Stephen when she met us at the cemetery yesterday. We also met Michael's sister and paid our respects to their son and yours. We will forever stop at Stephen's grave and have a talk with him. If there is ever anything we can do for you, I can be reached at bethbelle@aol.com. Nicholas's marker is 8081. Take care and God Bless. Beth Belle"
Beth Belle of Fairfax, VA

"To the Family of Stephen M. McGowan -
My name is SFC Steven Cruze and I was one of PFC McGowan's Instructors here at Fort Sam Houston, TX. PFC McGowan made a lasting impression on all of the cadre here because of his true passion to be a "Combat Medic". In memory of your son we have added his name to a memorial displayed at C Company, 232d Medical Battalion. His name will be a constant reminder to all future "Combat Medics" for the ultimate sacrifice he made for this great nation. He will never be forgotten and truly be remembered as a HERO!"
SFC Steven R. Cruze of Fort Sam Houston, TX

"I never knew Stephen, in fact I am a graduate of Salesianum which is St. Mark's arch rival. Even without ever meeting him, through everything I read I feel like I have a kinship with him. Stephen took the path that I was unable to due to medical conditions. If it were up to me I would have been fighting right alongside him in the airborne and with my many other friends who are so bravely serving our country around the world and at home.

To understand the devotion that Stephen showed in his service to our nation I want to quote the famous General "Stonewall" Jackson: "The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth."

Thank you Stephen for answering the call to defend our nation to the fullest in my stead when I could not answer that call.
I made a visit to Stephen's grave at Arlington in April and said thank you in person. I hope he heard me, and I hope that he is doing his best to look over his friends and all those serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Stephen, May your eternal patrol be in peace and may your family find comfort in your ultimate sacrifice and the honor that you have brought upon yourself and them."
Sean Protas of Newark, DE

"I just want to say that i am a better person myself for knowing stephen, he was a great friend in the year i spent with him in korea and i hold the memories and great times dear to my heart. No one will forget the ultimate sacrafice you made... Stephen is a True Hero"
Spc Anderson, Thomas of Pentagon, Washington DC

"Dear Mrs McGowan and family:
It's been some time since we've seen each other in Colorado, but Stephen and your loss is ever on my mind . Don's crew of guys was always safety first. I know in Heaven they are still helping their brothers that are still in Iraq . I would like to think the four of them are fishing. And still taking care of each other. God Bless you all. I hope to see you again in Co. in June or July. Your friend, Donald Eacho's Aunt Sally Kleinhans"
Sally of Slinger WI.

"Ms McGowan,
My condolences to you and your family. My husband was stationed with McGowan in Ramadi. He is very upset by the loss of his friend. My thoughts are with you. I am so sorry for your loss
Sincerely,

Misty Nelson"
Misty of Marina, CA

"My prayers are for you and the families of all the fallen, that you are consoled - and that our troops and allies may be protected from harm.

It is no consolation now, but Steven died in a process that will allow millions to live, to live lives of freedom, opportunity, and prosperity that we in the West take for granted.

I hope America's actions will make the world a much better place, and the memories of Steven will be honored by a grateful world."
James McGrath of Sayreville, NJ

"To the McGowan family:
I am the CAO taking care of the Arciola family. I will be in the DC area mid-April and will visit Stephen when I go to see Michael. I will never forget the sacrifices that Micheal and Stephen made. Their legacy will live on in the soldiers I lead and serve. Your family are in my prayers. God Bless You!"
MAJ Rob McWilliams of West Point, NY

"Ms. McGowan; I find comfort that our sons are together now. I will always pray and think of them that way. Thank you for visiting with my son."
Teresa Arciola of Elmsford, NY

"Dear Ms. D,
I attended St. Mark's with Steve and remained friends with him after we graduated. I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was the embodiment of what it meant to be an American. He loved his country, his family, and everyone he met. I can remember fooling around with him in high school, giving you a hard time, and a certain shoe polish incident that will forever be remembered. I am honored to call Steve my friend and look forward to being reunited with him in heaven. God Bless and take care."
Toby Colella of Cleveland, OH

"Stephen will never be forgotten by my husband or I, we lost our only son on Sept 11th, 2001 and we know that because of Stephen and his service to our country Matts death was not in vain."
Sheila & Mike Flocco of Wilmington, DE

"The family of Stephen McGowan
know that your son/brother is a hero. My brother Michael Arciola was just buried next to Stephen this past friday Things will seem lonely for a while but know he was doing what he loved. You are in our prayers"
Amanda Arciola of Elmsford, NY

"Steve
You were a true friend to all of us that had the pleasure to know you. You are the embodiment of everything good and righteous in this world. During our year together in Korea, you helped me through more than anyone else. I'm eternally grateful for the good times we shared. You will forever be missed. I have a shipment of shoes on the way for the local iraqi children that will be given out in your honor. I know your looking down on us right now. Watch my six, and I'll see you at the final drink up in the sky."
PVT Uehlein, James of 36th ASMC(ABN) LSA ADDER Iraq

"The RGW Foundation is accepting Beanie Babie donations to continue the good will effort that was started by Cpl. McGowan. You can find more information at; www.thergwfoundation.org

It is self-less acts that make men great."
The RGW Foundation of Delaware

"Dear McGowan Family -
We were not fortunate enough to have known Stephen in person, but we got to know him over the past few months. Joannie Parr and I have been sending boxes to soldiers for the past 2 years, and Stephen received one of the boxes that had been mailed to his unit. He wrote us a thank you note, and we placed him on our "box list". My daughter (Jenny Novak) had had her 2nd grade class make flags, and some of them had been placed in Stephen's box. He also began a correspondence with her and her class. When her class mailed him a large class letter, I included a knitted cap that had been made by my 83 year old mother-in-law. He not only wrote to tell Jenny that he was placing the letter on the bulletin board for all to see, he included a thank you note for me to send to my mother-in-law.
She was thrilled with the note!
Joannie and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stephen was an amazingly thoughtful and kind person, and he will be greatly missed."
Candy Novak of Missouri City, TX

"Dear McGowan family,
My name is Jenny Novak and although you may not know me, I was lucky enough to know Stephen. My mom, Candy Novak, and her friend Joannie Parr, pack boxes for soldiers. I am a first year teacher and my second grade class made flags and cards that my mom sent to many different soldiers. How lucky we were that one of those soldiers was Stephen. He wrote me and my class back through email and written letters, and added me to his mass email that he sent out every so often. Although I never met him in person, I feel as though I have lost a true friend because Stephen was such an amazing person. Not only did he send letters and photo cds to my class; he also wrote personal letters to myself, my mother and my grandmother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers (she knits hats for the soldiers). If I were to write all the wonderful things that I came to know about Stephen over the past few months, I would be writing for pages on end. He was such an amazing and caring person and was constantly putting others ahead of himself. I only wish I could have known him longer, because I truly feel after having known him, I am a better person. I cannot imagine the grief you are going though, but please know that Stephen is in so many peoples' thoughts and prayers."
Jenny Novak of Sugar Land, TX

"Dear fallen Brother, I read your story in the paper and thought that I should give thanks to you for giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect this country's great liberties. After reading what a superb being you were, I'm sure that you will be sorley missed. Rest in peace my friend."
HM of Delaware County, PA

"To the family of Stephen. My family honors your Hero. His Bravery, Honor, Valor, and Courage will never be forgotten. He was a brave man who gave his life for the precious gift of freedom, and we will always be grateful for his loyal service. We will never forget the sacrifice that Stephen made.
All of our prayers are with you and please know that you are not alone in this time of saddness.
God Bless Stephen and his family."
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and Family of Massillon, Ohio

"As I loged on today. I received a very powerful message. The message I received was about this fine soldier. I received it from a fellow online gamer. He went on to explain about things really hitting home. As a American, in this great country. I was in tears reading this. I for one am very grateful for what steven has done. God bless you soldier. May you keep everyone close in your wings.And god bless his family may he keep you in his hands."
J Tebedo of Bay City Michigan

"Dear McGowan Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Stephen. Our hearts weep for you in this difficult time. Although we never knew him, we are grateful for the sacrifice that he made for his country. We pray that God has wrapped his arms around you and given you the strength for the days ahead. May your memories of Stephen help you in the difficult times. God Bless You."
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"Ms. McGowan. . .We are truly sorry for the loss of your son, Stephen. We read your message on the Memorial for Wade Twyman, whom we have known since birth. His parents are our forever friends. I recognized your name because Wade's parents had sent us the picture of Hagan, Twyman & McGowan silhouetted against the sunset or sunrise in Iraq. May God Bless, Stephen, you and your family always for you have made the greatest of all sacrifices for our country in the name of freedom."
Doug and Carolann Holmberg of Redondo Beach & Mammoth Lakes, CA - USA

"Ms. McGowan,

I am so very sorry for your loss, Stephen was a remarkable man. I fondly remember playing football and basketball in the neighborhood with Stephen and Michaela, ambushing Dan Criel near his garage with water guns, along with countless other day to day memories. As a child I looked up to Stephen as my older brother and it is so very hard to accept that he is really gone.

I am very proud of Stephen, what he did took tremendous courage. Courage not only to go to war, but courage to also show compassion to the Iraqi people. The Iraqis he and his squadmates interacted with surely have a better understanding of American values. Those despicable terrorists would have the Iraqis believe that Americans are oppressors, but I am sure that those whom he met and helped knew in their hearts and minds that America is a wonderful place, that Americans are a good and kind people. From everything I have heard and read Stephen was the consummate American soldier, his cause and actions were just and they serve as a source of inspiration and pride for us all.

Steve would likely have been uncomfortable with the title of 'hero,' but that is most definitely what he is."
Matthew Moores of Newark, DE USA

"Steve was one of the very first guys I met on the Delaware Rugby team, in what seems like ages ago now. He was always a close friend, and we spent a lot of time over the years playin together, partying together, and drivin to New Orleans and back together. He will not be forgotten."
Dustin Berra, aka Gold Dust of San Diego

"Stephen,

First of all, thank you for your service and sacrifice to this country. My name is Dan Settle and I am a friend of Wade Twyman, another brave soldier who was with you that day. You are all true heroes who will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of my family. Thank you for continuing to watch over us. To the McGowan family: our thoughts and prayers are with you."
The Settle Family of Temecula, CA / USA

"Mrs. McGowan... "aka Mrs. D" Steve was an awesome friend and will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Our senior 7 has now gone to 6 and will never be the same. I will always remember Steve for his heart, bravery, and drive to help others. And he will never be forgotten in my heart. We love you Steve!!!"
Jeffery Stefanisko of Cranbury, NJ

"To the McGowan Family, my famiy thanks you for the sacrafices Stephen made on behalf of our country. I am a friend of Wade Twyman, and know that they are still together, still protecting the weak from opression, fighting the good fight. God bless and keep you!"
James Cady of Murrieta, California/United States of America

"Mrs. McGowan,

My brother Capt. Sean Grimes was in charge of the medics for the 1/9th and died in the Humvee with your son Stephen. My brother thought the world of your son and was so proud to serve with him. Your son and my little brother sound so much alike! Sean was also very proud of his Irish heritage and he loved the Scout Platoon and was volunteering to accompany Stephen the day they both died.

I hope to meet you and Wade's family in the near future. I actually live in California not far from Wade's family and the rest of my family live on the east coast near you.

God Bless You!

Don Grimes"
don grimes of orange county, california

"Stephen, thank you for being there with wade, he spoke of you often and in my heart I know you both are in a perfict place, but the world is not as good without you."
Wade's Dad of Vista Ca

"Ms. McGowan, my heart goes out to you and your family. I do not know and do not even want to comprehend the totality of your grief, however, I do know that God has his embracing arms wrapped around him and is comforting him. Stephen made the ultimate sacrifice and I thank him for that and so will future generations of Americans.

“Death is not the extinguishing of the light, but the putting out of the lamp, because Dawn has come.”

Rabindranath Tagore

This poet explained passing on the best. It is the true dawn of life, for now Stephen is in a better place, a place without war and hunger, a place that is marked with golden paved roads where magnificent people roam. I send my most heartfelt condolences to you and wish you and your family all the best of hope, happiness, and solace.

Any by the way Ms. McGowan, everything is okay at school and you should not worry about us because there are more important things that need to be tended to.

P.S. By the way, please do not check for grammar or tense shift."
Andrew Trzonkowski of Wilmington, Delaware

"To Bobbie McGowan: Sean Grimes was my brother-in-law's brother, and I just read the message you wrote to Sean's family. Thank you so much for your love and support!!! I am grieving for your son as well. What a wonderful man he must have been - to serve the way he did...to love the way he did...to be as selfless as he was. I can't thank him enough for his service. I can't thank you enough for raising such a wonderful man. I will keep you in my prayers. Please know that God will not waste a hurt. He will not waste a life. And he will not waste one's purpose. You are in my prayers. With love, Joanne Hutchisson"
Joanne Hutchisson of San Juan Capistrano, California, United States of America

"TO THE MCGOWAN FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. STEPHEN THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND PROTECTING US. YOU HAVE TOUCHED MANY MANY LIVES. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, YOUR MILITARY FAMILY, YOUR PERSONAL FAMILY AND THOSE THAT DIDN'T KNOW YOU IN IRAQ. STEPHEN YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE THEN A SOLDIER AND A HERO! MY HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ALL THIS IS NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED. AN IT WILL BE HARD. OUR FAMILY UNDERSTANDS THAT WE LOST OUR SON TEN MONTHS AGO. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"For the family of Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan. My heart is breaking for your family as I have had the honor of meeting some of you as I live next door to Stephen's Aunt Sue. From what I have heard from Sue and what I read in these message, Stephen was a wonderful person and a totally committed soldier. My prayers are with the family as they go through these hard times."
Sharon Emory of Fairfax Station, VA

"Steve, thank-you for your ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. My brother Wade was in your humvee that day and also lost his life. I have pictures and videos of you and Wade living in Iraq that I will treasure forever."
The Glen Twyman Family of Vista, CA U.S.A.

"I went to high school with Steve. He made me laugh and was a very talented artist. Because of his bravery, I am able to pursue my dreams and go about my life in this great free country. His family and friends are in my prayers. Thank you Steve!"
Erin Buckley of NY, NY

"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, Stephen , will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"I WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING WITH STEVE AND I EVEN SAT NEXT TO HIM ON THE PLANE. WE LEFT FOR BASIC TRAINING ON SEPT 17TH 2002.FROM THE TIME I MET STEVE MCGOWAN I CAN TELL YOU THAT I KNEW HE HAD A GOOD HEART. I WAS SO SCARED WHEN WE GOT ON THE PLANE TO GO TO FORT JACKSON FOR BASIC TRAINING. I WAS SITTING NEXT TO STEVE ON THE PLANE AND WHEN HE NOTICED HOW SCARED I WAS HE WAS NICE ENOUGH TO TAKE THE PILLOW OUT FROM UNDER HIS OWN HEAD AND GIVE IT TO ME.HE GAVE ME HIS BLANKET TOO.HE DIDNT EVEN KNOW ME AND HE WAS JUST TRYING TO HELP ME BE MORE COMFORTABLE SO I WASNT SO SCARED.WE STARTED TALKING AND BECAME FRIENDS. WE WENT THROUGH BASIC TRAINING AND GRADUATED ON NOV 26TH 2002.I WASNT SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD THAT STEVEN WAS TRYING HIS BEST TO HELP THE CHILDREN IN IRAQ. I JUST SAID TO MYSELF "YEAH THATS MCGOWAN".I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF STEVENS DEATH AND I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.STEVEN WAS AN ANGEL IN LIFE AS WELL AS DEATH AND MOST DEFINATLEY AN HONORABLE SOLDIER AND SUCH A GREAT HERO. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM AND ALL OF THE LIVES HE TOUCED EVEN IN THE SIMPLIST OF WAYS. YOU WILL STAY IN MY PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL."
ROBINLYNN WILLIAMS of PHILADELPHIA PA

"Stephen McGowan was my cousin. Even though we only knew each other when we were little, I remember the fun times that we had shared as kids. My deepest condolences go out to the parents and sister. Stephen is the epitomy of an American hero and he will be truly missed."
Terri Vadino of Poconos, PA

"God Bless you Stephen, for your ultimate sacrifice in the service of your country. You were a nephew to be proud of. We will never forget you and are sure that you flew to heaven on angels wings."
Susan & Gene Vadino of Pocono Lake, PA USA

"Thank you Stephen McGowan, 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 Cpl. Stephen McGowan:
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 Stephen 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 Cpl. Stephen McGowan:
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 Stephen, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia