MURFREESBORO, TN, US U.S. Army SPC, COMPANY A, 2D BN, 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY, 4 BCT, FORT BRAGG, NC 09/20/2009, VIPER ZABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Ashley West was determined to marry the man she called her “everything.” Her boyfriend, Corey Kowall, was serving in Afghanistan as a Specialist in the Army. But first there was the deployment to get through. “He was the most amazing person I ever met,” West explained. “Corey had a great sense of humor and always treated people the way they wanted to be treated. He was the best boyfriend, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.” She never got that chance.
Kowall enlisted in the Army in June 2007.
“Specialist Kowall was an extremely competent soldier and an extraordinary individual. His death leaves a tear in our formation and in our hearts,” said Kowall’s Commanding Officer Captain Paul W. Pena, in a statement. “Though sorely missed, Corey will continue to be a source of inspiration and strength throughout Alpha Company.
Kowall’s father, C.J., said his son was his personal hero. “When I didn’t think I could make it, he was my inspiration and made me laugh.” A portrait of Corey Kowall Sr done by Michael Reagan is at the left.
I have never seen a finer example of the love and camaraderie between a father and his son. Corey and his dad were best friends. Corey gave his life for our country, so I am honoring Corey’s memory by praying for our dear soldiers here and abroad and to support them in whatever capacity I can. Losing Corey makes this war more personal than ever. He touched so many lives and is sorely missed by all who knew him. Posted by: Lee Ann Hillery – friend 08 December 2009
Many friends and family said they were happy Kowall lived his dream of serving his country.
“At a young age, he understood what it was to be an American,” his mother, Kelly Rae Speight said proudly.
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