The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Robert B. Cowdrey, 39, of Atwater, Ohio, died Oct. 13 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.
A statement from the family follows:
Brian married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Kimberly Jill, and they had 17 wonderful years together. One only had to take one look at the two of them together to know that a man and wife couldn’t love each other more. Brian had a secret smile only for Jill.
Brian loved the outdoors. Hunting with his brother Quentin was something he looked forward to every year. He also loved driving around in his truck with his family, listening to his favorite songs (“Rise Above” by Seether was always blaring), eating his wife’s home cooked meals, taking his German Shepherd for walks and spending quality time with family and friends, especially his sons.
He enjoyed visiting his mother, Donna, brother, and sister-in-law Jennie and their two daughters Morgan and Julia in Ohio. He also enjoyed taking trips back to his hometown of La Junta, Colorado, to visit his wife’s family, including his father-in-law Jay and his wife Cathy, and mother-in-law Tami and her husband, Ron. He most recently saw nieces Micaly, Morgan, Matyson, Trinity and Bianca, as well as brothers and sisters-in law.
He had a special relationship with everyone in his family and recently discovered new Cowdrey family connections that he was excited to learn more about. He had so many friends made from every chapter in his life and in every place he lived.
He was so proud of his oldest son, Justin, for graduating basic training last summer and for becoming a 15T with a flight crew. His middle son, Nathan, dreams of going to West Point and becoming an officer. His youngest son, Jacob, just wants to grow up to make a positive difference in the world, just like his dad and his brothers.
Brian was a man who didn’t show emotion easily, but his family and friends always knew how he felt about them. He took his job seriously and held himself and his soldiers to a high standard of excellence.
He felt that his patients deserved the best, and we know that is exactly what they got. Brian was a true example of a servant leader – he often expressed how honored he was to be able to aid our men and women in uniform when they needed him. He led by example, and he led with honor, integrity, compassion, and strength.
He loved a good joke and a good story. One of his favorite things to do was playing Xbox with his boys. Where else but the Cowdrey household would you find not one, but three Xboxes going at the same time? Where else but the Cowdrey household would you hear a father coaxing his son to play more Halo? “But dad, I don’t wanna play Halo anymore…” “Just ten more minutes, Nate!” Brian loved getting all of his boys and their friends online to play Xbox. It will not be the same without “Lasercow” leading the charge.
The family he leaves behind is devastated, but takes some comfort in knowing that Brian, as he commonly went by, died doing a job he loved and was committed to doing. Brian chose to re-enlist and go with “his guys” to Afghanistan for a fourth deployment rather than take a non-deployable job as a flight medic instructor at Ft. Rucker, Ala. He did not hesitate to serve his country, both on U.S. soil and overseas. The amount of messages online, phone calls, text messages, and sheer outpouring of support have been phenomenal. We are truly touched by all of the love and support.
Brian wanted people to know what was happening in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for people to look past what was in the media. He often shared videos and photos from his deployments and would explain to all who would listen what was going on. He would help people understand the kind of missions he went on, what it took to save lives, and all of the good that was happening out in the field. He was proud of those he worked with, those he served, and he was and will always be a true AMERICAN HERO.
Brian, we love you, and while this pain and sorrow will never go away – over time it will fade. The memories we have of you, and the love and moments we have shared, never will. You will live on for always in our hearts, and your legacy lives on in your children and in all those whose lives you have touched.
John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this,that he lay down his life for his friends.”
-The Cowdrey Family
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