Sgt. 1st Class Collin J. Bowen of Maryland and formerly of Indiana, grew up in Marion, Indiana where he was active in sports, playing P.A.L club baseball and basketball. He went on to excel at baseball at Lincoln Field and Marion High School graduating in 1988. He was also a prized tennis student of Coach Bill Beekman, long time coach of the Marion High School tennis team. Collin was perhaps best known for his true fighting spirit and refusal to give up no matter what the odds. He didn't know the meaning of the words "quit" or "can't." Collin was a skilled and competitive athlete as a direct result of committment, dedication, and hard work more so than raw talent. Perhaps no other Grant County high school athlete worked harder or spent more hours practicing their skills than did Collin. After joining the Army he made the most of those years militarily, earning several medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal for bravery in combat. By all accounts, he was a highly decorated war hero. He also he earned his prized University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) degree in Computer Science in 2005. Amazingly, Collin earned this degree as he was activated to protect this country after September 11, and after hurricane Katrina as well. In fact, Collin was asked to stand and be recognized individually at his UMBC graduation by the President of the University for his outstanding performance in school while serving our country. Collin continued a life long love of sports, good food, good friends, and working with his hands around the house. He also loved to golf, cook on the grill, and watch movies with his family. He was married and had a daughter and two stepdaughters. His other survivors include his parents and two brothers. Collin was critically injured in Afghanistan Jan. 2 when the vehicle he was riding in encountered an explosive device. While trying to recover in Texas, he was awarded as Soldier of the Year given to him by the American Legion, Post 10 in Marion, and was accepted by his brothers. He died at Brook Army Medical Center. He was 38. Please take time out to visit, www.collinbowen.com

Army
National Guard
1st Battalion
175th Infantry Regiment
Towson, Maryland