Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Never forgotten! Memorial Day 2017."
A. Woodin

"Memorial Day 2016, your sacrifice is never forgotten."
A. Woodin of Texas

"Captain Rowe cared about all Marines. He was the best example of what an officer should be. He asked me at the battalion party, "What have you been doing, Sergeant Nieland?." I answered, "Spending as much time as I can with my family. You never know what could happen , sir." He looked up to the sky and after a pause replied, "Yeah, you never know." That was the last time I talked to him. When Gunny Berold told me, I was heart broken and haunted by that last conversation over the last 11 years. I remember him as the best example of what a leader should strive to be. I appreciated his mentorship as I was a Marine that was not even in his direct command. I will always remember the positive influence he had on my life."
Jerry Nieland of El Cajon, CA

"Sir,
You were one of the greatest Company Commanders that I have ever known. I remember the days to when I used to give you intelligence briefings and how you would mentor me even though I wasn't in your company. You will never be forgotten.

1/7 S-2
2003-2008"
Vernell Schumaker of Spotslyvania VA

"Memorial Day 2014. Never Forgotten."

"Memorial Day 2013 Never Forgotten."
A. Woodin of Texas

"Sir it was an honor to have known you and work for you. I remember the day in Iraq 2003, when I got upset and didn't want you in my gun truck...being the great man you are you decided to go to the second vehicle in the convoy. I will always admire you, your family, and our friendship. Semper Fidelis, Sir!!!"
SSgt Neuroth, Nicholas A. (ret) of Texas

"Sir,
I remember being promoted to LCpl in February 2004 at 1/7. I received an email from you and you apologized for not "cornering" me earlier to congratulate me. You told me it was a big deal and you were proud. Sir, you hardly knew me but you took the time to say something to me. Thank you. Since then, I have become a Staff Sergeant and now I am a Lieutenant about to graduate the Basic School. I saw you the morning we lost you and remember being upset, then inspired. I appreciate your leadership and sincerity."
2ndLt Dan Viverette of Quantico, Va

"Another Veterans day is here, we still remember!"
A. Woodin of Texas

"Alan was my friend, and I miss him."
Scott Davenport of Fort Worth, Texas

"They got Osama! Thinking of you and your family today! Never forgotten, your sacrifice is never forgotten."
A. Woodin of Texas

"Maj. ROWE, I still rememeber the first day I checked into 1st Battalion 7TH Marines Alpha Company. The moment I met you I knew we were in Good Hands. To your Family may God Bless you.
Semper Fidelis"
Jason A. Velasquez of Temple, T.X. USA

"I served with Capt. Rowe while assigned to B co. 1/1 96-98, He will truly be missed.

HM1(FMF)Collier K.L. (USN/RET)"
Kenneth Collier of Lakewood Wa.

"To Dawn, Blake, and Caitlin: My thoughts and prayers are with you on this day as we continue to celebrate Alan's life through cherished memories. Frankly, we think of Alan and you on a daily basis. How truly blessed we are to have shared in his friendship and to have served with him in combat as brother Marines.
We will never forget him."
Nick Vuckovich of Stafford, VA

"Alan was quite simply the finest Marine Officer I had the honor of serving with. I can never understand how we seem to lose our greatest leaders...Some that read the messages may believe all these great things that are being said about Maj Rowe are simply an attempt to honor a man that gave the ultimate sacrifice; those of us that served with him know the reality. He truely was the absolute best of us! I attended one of the most grueling courses known to mankind with Alan, The Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course. As Maj Sablan noted, in the absence of true understanding from most of us, Alan always "got it". He was a true giver. A man that honestly lived the part and sacrificed for others. As was he the honor graduate for a class of over 200 at the Marine Corps Basic School for officers, he was also the honor graduate for over 30 of the toughest Marine Officers at the Infantry Officer Course. Alan seemed more than a mere man, he truly carried with him the presence of an immortal; physicaly unparalled, sharp wit, intelligent, patient, kind, strong willed, determined and he NEVER QUIT! God chose to have Alan by his side. Someone so great definately has a higher calling. He gave so much of himself while he was here and his legacy will NEVER DIE. I miss you my friend and I'm sorry it took so long for me to pay my respects. I was in Iraq the day we lost you and I couldn't believe it was possible. I hope to some day speak to your children and let them know what an amazing father they had. Thank you for being the perfect example to us all. I will never forget the 1st day of IOC when we both ran down the wrong path together 3 miles the wrong way...I think you still passed the course while I had to remediate...But with it all, you never forgot to smile. Thats what I remember most about Alan; an ability to give a genuine warm smile in the face of great adversity...lifting the spirits of all around you. I lost my brother last year, CWO2 Douglas M Vose, 10th Special Forces Group in Afghanistan. I know what it's like to lose family and I know time doesn't heal all wounds. My sincerest condolences to the family. God bless you my friend and may god bless your family always! Semper Fi"
Maj Jason Vose of Afghanistan

"Veterans Day 2009-We remember you today Alan. We will always keep you in our hearts and minds. God Bless your family."
A. Woodin of San Diego, CA

"Was talking about you today... Telling stories from 1990. Never forgotten..never..."
A. Woodin of KNB, Kuwait

"To Alan Rowe's Family and Friends,

3 September marked the fourth anniversary since Alan's death. I did not need that date to remind me of Alan. I think of him and his family on a daily basis, and consider myself most fortunate to have known him for 13 years. It was an even greater honor to have served with Alan at 7th Marines during OIF I and II. He was a brave and completely noble man, and I am unable to find his equal among us to this day. Please know that Alan, his family, and those he led and with whom he served, will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Very Respectfully,
Nick Vuckovich
LtCol, USMC (ret)"
Nick Vuckovich of Stafford, VA

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Capt. Alan Rowe:
Alan 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

"To my fellow service members,
Today is Memorial Day, as we move among the crowds all cheerful at the lakes, shopping malls and local parks we remember why we do what we do. As we once did, many see this day as a joyous three day weekend, spending time with family or chasing down the greatest weekend sales. For those of us who have served or been around those that have served, this day is one for us to reflect, to remember some very special people who could not be here with us.

Today I cannot help but think what Lt. Winchester would be doing or what Major Rowe kids are doing as they lost their father nearly four years ago now. I cannot help but think of the many men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to spend this time with our family. I think of LCpl Wilt and his widow, would they have had any kids right now had he not been killed. I think of Cpl Salazar and that big dedicated grin he had; what is his family doing today on Memorial Day… hardly doubt chasing down that weekend sale. I think of my dear friend SSgt Trevor Spink who once was a “poster boy” for the Marine Corps and the memories we had as young Sgt’s together.

I think today about my Grandfather who I never took the time to sit down with him and talk about his service during WWII. It was not until I joined the military myself that I began to learn the importance of his role as a veteran. It was not until I myself was placed in a combat zone for this country that I appreciated the sacrifice my grandfather had made. It was not until that moment when I completely understood why he would tear up every time I asked about his experiences during World War II and then it was too late to tell him, “I now understand grandpa”.

I ask that you not only remember those we lost but others like Cpl Morgan and his family; we nearly lost Cpl Evan Morgan and today he spends time with his beautiful wife Jillian and lovely daughter Sophie. We remember SSgt John Jones and how devastated we were when he lost his legs; I now smile as he and his wife are at the hospital RIGHT NOW giving birth to their son Wyatt on a very happy yet emotional day.

I look at my daughters and I am very grateful and overjoyed to be here with them but I think of all the men and women who don’t have this opportunity. I think of all those who have been effected by sacrificing so much, those who are away from their families while we enjoy ours.

It is nice to be thanked today for our service to this country and we are not going to turn down those military discounts we get today, as we do graciously appreciate them. As we are thanked today while we enjoy the day at the park or glance at a receipt to see how much we saved let’s not forget who this day is really about.

Let’s remember those we lost and enjoy this special day and what we have; let’s do so in honor of those who will never get this moment again.

Semper Fi,
Larry R Long
US Marine Corps"
GySgt Larry Long of Corpus Christi, TX

""Just thinking of you on the Memorial Day 2008""
The Ayres of Texas

"Dear Rowe Family,
My name is Ward Warren. I served with Alan back at 1/1 in Camp Pendelton. Alan was a Captain and the platoon commander of the Recon Platoon. I was the Comm Chief for the Battalion (MSgt) and worked closely with him during the planning of several exercises. I respected him the moment I met him. He was humble but confident and thorough in everything he did. After a short while I not only respected him but genuinly liked him. He was great example to all of us as a Marine, Husband, and father. He loved his family and he loved his Marines. It wasn't until this time last year (Memorial Day) that I realized he had fallen. I ran into Gyles Boyce at Quatntico who I had not seen in several years and he passed on the news. When I got home, I found his web-site and read about his loss and saw all of the tributes. I wept openly when I realized what he left behind and how much his family must miss him. It has taken me a full year to get the courage to communicate this to you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers constantly. Please know that Alan's memories will never slip my mind.

I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon this October. With your permission I would proudly wear a shirt paying tribute to him.

Please e-mail me at wardwarren@verizon.net or feel free to call me at 540 785 4933 anytime.

God Bless you and Semper Fi !"
Ward Warren (MSgt USMC Ret) of Fredericksburg VA

"I went through OCS with Alan. I will never forget his natural leadership and will remember the friendship I had built with him. I truely wish I could live to be half the man he is. My condolences go to you and your family. I keep a picture of him on my desk to remind me daily of the sacrifices made by him and so many others. I strive to make myself better, more like him on a daily basis. When I feel lazy and am slacking off I look at his picture. It helps me to march on, to complete whatever mission I may be facing that day. Thank you Alan. I am a better person for knowing you."
Tim Gadde (ssgt) of Lindsborg, KS

"Like Munger and Krupinski who have posted messages here, I knew this fine Marine when he was our platoon commander from 1996 - 1998 B Co. 1/1. Also like Munger and Krupinski he was what I aspired to be as a United States Marine. At the time Lt. Rowe was a larger than life figure to us. Like John Wayne. Serving with men like him is what brought me back to the Marine Corps after getting out for a couple of years. He left a permanent mark on the personalities of every Marine in that platoon. America lost a one of it's best that day, but I know he lives on through the pieces of himself he left with all the men he commanded in B Co, 3rd Platoon. 3rd Herd!!"
Sgt Jeremy J Rainwater of MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

"I never met Capt. Rowe. I was actually doing a search online for something else and found my recruiter's name on here. His name is SSGT Jason Krupinski. Although I never knew Capt. Rowe, My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. See you on the "greener side" sir.
Semper Fi."
Cpl Benjamin Ferris of Buchanan, MI

"Major Rowe was my platoon commander for B Co. 1/1 3rd Plt. We knew him as a mustang from Force Recon. I can see him in OCS carrying 8 packs, because I saw him carrying his and 2 other packs that were at least 100 lbs on several occasions. Thanks to all for your great stories, I read them all. Out of all the Marines I have ever known Alan was the finest. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and 2 children. Semper Fi"
Ryan Munger of Omaha, NE

"I knew 1stLT Rowe while at 1/1. And as stated by others, a Marines Marine. The Capt ended up meeting and getting to know my family through SoCal Bronco's. He had written a letter to my step-fathers web site talking about the jobs that Corpsmen do for the Marines. Thanks you sir for your kind words of praise for "The Few, of the Few". Those of us that have had the honor to of known you miss you greatly. Simper Fi!"
Doc Minesinger

"Capt. Rowe was my first Plt. Commander in the fleet B. Co. 1/1 3rd Plt. To me he was all that a Marine should and could be. Even years after his passing it still shocks and saddens me to remember him. He was the ultimate Marine affectionaly reffered to as Proto Type 5 by his platoon for his amazing strength and stanima. Thank you for all that you taught us sir, and know that your first platoon will answer the call when you sound the charge from the pearly gates."
SSgt. Jason Krupinski of Kalamazoo, MI

"To the loved ones of Alan Rowe... I had the honor of meeting Alan many years ago when he was a Cpl stationed with my husband at Camp Pendleton. Bob (aka Brillster) and I were blessed to once again be at the same station as Alan and Dawn in 2004. Right before the guys went back to Iraq we all had dinner together. I will never forget a conversation Alan and I had before we left for the night. Dawn please know that even though we don't talk on the phone - NOT a day goes by when I don't think of you and the kids. Bob is back in Iraq and I can honestly say he thinks of you guys a LOT also. Our love to you always.. and know you can always count on us for our love and support."
Tracy B bobandtracy92@hotmail.com of Jacksonville, NC

"I do not know you but like you, I am a Marine wife with small children. I came across your husband's audio when I was looking at the Newsweek article. I was drawn to you because I saw myself in you. My husband was also there and was fortunate to make it home. I know that sacrifices that you make and the pain that you must feel. Continue to be strong and proud of your husband and the job that he did over there. Know that you and your family are in our prayers."
Michelle of Quantico, VA

"Rowe and I served together when we were Lts. We were also classmates at OCS and TBS...it was really surprising. I always did look up to him."
P. Larkins of Charlotte, NC

"Capt Rowe was one the most impressive Marines I have ever met in my life. He was the definition of a Marine Corps leader. He drove his Marines to perfection and held himself to even higher standards. He influenced and inspired every Marine who served with him and his memory lives on in those Marines he led and touched."
Cpl. Robert M Moser of Camp Pendleton, Ca

"To the family of:Alan Rowe 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 and Friends of Capt. Alan Rowe: I thought you might like to know that on September 17, 2006, I stood on 25th Street and 5th Avenue in New York City. I held a sign with your loved one's name on it as a way of honoring him and all the other brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving in Iraq. Please know that many miles away, someone is thinking of him, and of you, as well."
Cassady Rubins of NYC, NY, USA

"To the family Alan Rowe left behind: I am the ID State Coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. It is our group's goal to make a memorial quilt for each fallen soldier from Idaho. We are a group of volunteers that are part of a nationwide organization of volunteers who are making Civil War Reproduction Quilts for the families of Fallen Soldiers. Our hope is that the quilt we are making for your family will be a small token of our deep appreciation for your ultimate sacrifice and serve as some comfort in the many years to come. Please contact me at czelus@hotmail.com"
Cheryl Zelus of Home of the Brave-ID State Coordinator

"You are still remembered Maj. Rowe, the boys just left for another tour in Iraq. Wish you could have been there. I got promoted and moved on but still stay in contact with most of the guys. Guard them gates well Sir, we will see you soon enough, Semper Fi."
GySgt Larry Long of Corpus Christi, TX

"I do not sit a peruse these sites much for obvious reasons. However, I would like to post a quick note for a fallen friend. I first met Alan many years ago. We were both corporals and we spent a lot of time together. He was one of my combat buddies, when on liberty we were told to travel in groups of 2 or more. We had a great time in various ports throughtout the world. We served together in the 1st gulf war. I was deeply saddened at the news of his death. But I remember how Alan lived. He was a gracious man who was steadfastly devoted to his Marines and his family. A real hard charger. Semper Fidelis My Brother. Banger Lang SGT USMC stephan.lang@asu.edu"
Steve of Arizona

"I find that these words are difficult to gather up. My grandfather served 22 years in the US Army, 1939 to 1961 retiring as a battery first sergeant. Before leaving for MCRD San Diego, I asked him what the hardest thing you have to do in the service is.His answer was,"Having to put your buddies in the ground".Well Rowdy now I know what my granddad's meaning was,daggum I sure do miss you bro. I found those old pictures of us out in the stumps together in comm school and at CAX. I remember when you and Tom and I went to grandma's on the weekends and that parrot would eat my watch band off,still got that old g-shock.I still say my old power wagon will beat your Bronco.We were suppose to get our families together before you left BRC and picked up a company, and what about fishin and huntin up north agin.Someday I'll try to get Dawn and Wendy and all the kids together and tell them all what a real hero is. Give my best to Chesty, I love and miss you bro, Semper Fi.

S.V. Miller


P.S.

If anyone close to the Rowe family reads this, please pass on this email to them ,stevenmiller@centurytel.net thank you and God bless."
Steven Miller of Kingston, Washington USA

"I did not have the pleasure of meeting Major Alan Rowe, but read his and his family story in the LA times. Dawn and Alan Rowe are examples of the best that America produces. My prayers and thanks go out to the Rowe family. I am sure the Heavenly Father will watch out for you all the days of your lives."
Ted Wegener of Sun City, Calif

"I'm not sure that I can add anything that hasn't already been said about Alan. I've known him since we were students at the Infantry Officers Course in the summer of 1996. It was there that I bore witness to an incident that exemplified his character. We, as a class, were conducting a run from David's Crossroads to Camp Barrett -- an 8.5 mile gut check with gear and rifle in hand that had to be completed in a short amount of time. During the run, I specifically remember becoming internally focussed, more concerned with how tired I was than how my fellow officers were doing. Although I passed several people during the run, I never caught sight of Alan. I figured someone of his ability and stamina had surely finished well ahead of the rest of us. Then, while recovering at the finish line, I saw him coming in with the last of our classmates. He was carrying about a 8 sets of gear and as many rifles. He was running along side the Marines who owned the gear he was carrying, encouraging them, ensuring them that they had the intestinal fortitude to complete the task at hand. Not once did it occur to him that he might not make it in time. To him it was more important that his comrades finished what they had set out to do. He was the only one that figured it out that day. The only one that truly understood the purpose of the exercise, that we start out as one, and finish as one. Alan is the Marine, the family man, the person that we all aspire to be. He will surely be missed. Semper Fi, brother."
Bill Sablan of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

"Another Fallen Hero ---- My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your entire family.

Cap. Rowe: You, Lt. Windchester, LCpl Witts and (my son) LCpl. Perez are up with angels. We miss you all dearly.

I’m thankful for the Service, Courage, Bravery and Determinination to fight for our country, our freedom from you and all the men & women in our armed forces. You all will not be forgotten. Thank you.

Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!

Very Proud Marine Mom
(Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9-3-04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq)"
Yolanda Valdez of Austin, Texas

"I had the pleasure of being in 1/7 Weapons company with Major Rowe.
And I knew right away that he was a great leader, because everyone in the company loved him.

I will miss him greatly."
Ryan Page of Okinawa Japan

"My father, Sam Naramore, knew Captain Rowe from his days at Charlie Company in Boise, Idaho. He recently went to his grave to pay his respects and he briefly told me about the trip. With me leaving for boot camp in less than one month I can only hope that someone will one day say that I was half the Marine that my father says Captain Rowe was."
Zach Naramore of Boise, Idaho

"My father, Sam Naramore, knew Captain Rowe from his days at Charlie Company in Boise, Idaho. He recently went to his grave to pay his respects and he briefly told me about the trip. With me leaving for boot camp in less than one month I can only hope that someone will one day say that I was half the Marine that my father says Captain Rowe was."
Zach Naramore of Boise, Idahp

"CPT Alan Rowe, A great man and friend I had the pleasure to spend almost a year with at the Expeditionary Warfare School, Quantico, VA, I was the Army student in our small group. In the course of a year, I came to know a man who was the epitome of a Marine Corps Officer. A man who taught me so much about what it means to lead troops. I'll never forget the times we talked about our services, our family and that Ford Bronco of yours. I was saddened to hear what had happened from our classmate Chris Crimi who I ran into today on the H1 freeway in Hawaii (22 APR 05). My family and I will never forget you brother! The year at Quantico and the day we spent having dinner at your house. Thank you so much for everything you taught me and everything you've given to our country. God Bless!"
Frederick, Mary Anne and Gabriela Ramirez of 25th Infantry Div. Hawaii

"At a loss of words at what kind of man Capt Rowe was, loved by so many enlisted and officers alike. I remember you checking into 1/7 and us going to Iraq the first time together. I asked for the Marines to have a beer when we stopped in Ireland and had to use some recruiting skill to sell you on the idea. I also remember seeing you in Kuwait and walking past you so pre-occupied with getting things done didn't even notice you. You said "SSgt" and I stopped apologized, and we just talked for a few minutes about the plane ride and how we were so busy how much of a headache things were trying to get in country. (We had talked about you getting delayed in March AFB as well.) You knew I was busy and you said I will let you go we shook hands and parted. I wish I would have known that was the last conversation we would have had I would not have been in such a hurry. I hear the word "Hero" tossed around now that we are all back, I have come to resent the word, when I think of a Hero I think of you and I am not even on the same level. You are sorley missed."
Staff Sgt Long Larry R. of Twenty-Nine Palms CA

"I olny met Alan a dozen or so times but i always admired him, it seems when ever i saw him, it was at a family gathering and he was always in his marine suit. I always thought it looked cool in that. So all i want to say is i am extreamly proud of him for paying the ultimate price for our country. I will miss him."
Justin Rominger of Winters California

"I don’t believe that we understand all that you gave, or how your sacrifice will affect the future for our sons or daughters. I believe you confronted the evil that has enslaved mankind throughout history, the same evil that many American soldiers have confronted in many battles.

I will teach my son and daughter of your sacrifice and your heroism.

Proud Family of Pfc. Kohler serving in Ar Ramadi, Iraq"
Anderson Family of Montana

"Capt Rowe and I were in the same Company at TBS (The Basic School)/ Alpha Co 1996. I would like to let all those who don't know that then 2nd Lt Rowe was our honor graduate of a class of over 200 Officers. As a collegiate athlete I was in awe of his athletic ability. His strengh and stamina were virtually unparralleled. This however, was only one of the reasons he was our Honor Grauate. He was also far ahead of most of us in his ability to lead. He was a picture perfect Marine Officer and a wonderful example to us all.
I will never forget Alan Rowe. I am saddened by his death and I will carry it w/ me as I deploy to Iraq.
My heart goes out to his family."
Capt James P. Bernthal of New Bern NC

"I did not know Captain Rowe, but I am now wearing a bracelet with his name, hometown, service, and date of loss as one small way to keep his memory alive, and to honor him.

To all of his family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. May God bless and keep you, as we know He has blessed and is keeping Alan Rowe."
Jerry Soucy of Concord, MA

"Condolences on the passing of Capt Rowe. I knew Ron Winchester well. We grieve with you and keep you and the Wilt family in our prayers. We are the Land of the Free because of the Brave. There are 3 Marines standing at the gates of Heaven keeping watch over us here on Earth."
Lois Gareis of Annapolis, MD

"I had the pleasure of not only knowing Capt. Rowe but also to serve with him. He was my Company Commander and a great one. He taught me a lot and I will never forget him. God Bless him and his Family that he left behind. Semper Fi Sir"
Sgt. Matt Hill of Coleville, California

"The world has lost a wonderful, kind and couragous man. For those of us who knew Alan back in the first Gulf War, we know he was doing what he loved. It is hard to believe he is gone. God Bless his wife and children, we cry tears and smile at memories along with you. You are never alone in your grief. He was much admired by all who ever met him."
A. Woodin

"How proud I am of Alan... He believed in what he was doing, he believed in what he was BEING. He was a Marine. He loved his fellow Marines. I thank God for the time we had together and I thank God for his dear wife and my wonderful niece and nephew. I appreciate everyone's compassionate words and prayers. I pray for peace and tolerance. I pray that no other family loses another loved one.

http://capt-alan-blake-row.tripod.com"
Diana Rowe Pauls, sister of Captain Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding Idaho

""To the family and friends Capt. Alan Rowe:
May God's grace be with you during this time of grief. My son, Brian Hogie, is in C 1/7 in al Qaim and I can only imagine your sense of loss. You are in my prayers. Contacthogie@sbcglobal.net"
Stephen Hogie of Santa Ana, California

"To the family and friends of Capt. Alan Rowe,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca

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

"TO THE ROWE FAMILY,
CAPT A.B. ROWE WAS MY SKIPPER FOR A WHILE, AS HE LED COMPANY A, 1ST BN 7TH MAR. FROM DAY ONE THAT HE ARRIVED ON DECK, UNTIL HE PARTED WAYS AND TOOK COMMAND OF WEAPONS COMPANY, CAPT ROWE RECIEVED THE UPMOST RESPECT FROM EVERY MARINE IN ALPHA COMPANY. FROM THE TIME I ENLISTED INTO THE MARINE CORPS UNTIL THE TIME I PARTED WAYS WITH IT, CAPT ROWE WAS ONE OF TWO MEN I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR UNTIL THE DAY I PASS. THIS MAN HAS NOT ONLY TOUCHED THE LIVES OF COUNLESS MARINES AND SAILORS, FROM NEWSPAPER REPORTS HE HAS ALSO TOUCHED CIVILIAN LIVES AS WELL. THANK YOU MR. AND MRS ROWE FOR GIVING THE MARINE CORPS ONE OF THE GREATEST COMMANDERS; IT WAS AN HONOR TO SERVE UNDER HIM."
CPL CHELSEA A GOOCH AND FAMILY, GOOCHCA@SBCGLOBAL.NET of D/FW, TEXAS

"To Alan'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 soldier's bravery and sacrifice. Que el Señor los bendia a todos.

Sincerely,

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

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

"Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Alan is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
The McClain family--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"To Alan'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

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you Alan Rowe, 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 Capt. Alan Rowe:
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 Alan 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 Capt. Alan Rowe:
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 Alan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia