Maryland Soldier Laid To Rest At Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. (WUSA) -- The Honor Guard fires three volleys. The bugler plays Taps. A commander gives a grieving family an American flag. This farewell at Arlington National Cemetery is for a Fallen Warrior as exceptional as so many others laid to rest in Section 60.

"Collin Bowen was an extraordinary American."

"He was one of the finest soldiers I've ever served with."

Those words were spoken by the commanders of Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen at a funeral attended by the Governor of Maryland. The men, who stepped up to share their memories of the soldier fatally wounded in Afghanistan, told of his courage and commitment.

"He truly was an excellent leader, an amazing soldier and he's truly going to be sorely missed in the Maryland Army National Guard," said Major T. J. Sullins, Commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment.

Those who served with Bowen say he made other soldiers and commanders better by the example he set. The 38-year-old father and husband volunteered to go to Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks on America. They also say he made that difficult choice knowing he would leave behind his wife, Ursula, and three daughters.

"I guess that's what makes it toughest. He put his country first and paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Major Robert Paolucci, Bowen's former commander.

Paolucci talked of the times Bowen ran the Army 10-mile race with other members of his unit. He says the soldier always brought his wife and children. Gabriela, and his two daughters from a previous marriage, Katelyn and Erin, cheered him on at the finish line.

"You don't replace people like him. You talk about it, but you really don't replace people like him. He wanted very much to do the job he was assigned to...to do his best for his country," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Lowe.

On a website produced by his widow, Ursula Bowen pays tribute to her husband's dedication to his family, his fellow soldiers and the Afghan children.

"He loved children and it was a magnetic presence, and they loved him," said 1st Lt. Christopher Keene, who served with Bowen.

Keene says Bowen cared not just about combat, but building roads and schools to help the Afghan people. One soldier said he hopes the good that Bowen accomplished in Afghanistan will help ease the pain of losing him.

Bowen was two weeks from going home when an IED explosion gravely wounded him, killed two other Americans and their Afghan interpreter. He could have turned down the January 2nd mission.

"He went on that mission because the soldiers going in that area weren't as familiar with that area as he was, and he felt it was his duty to help them...," said Major Sullins.

At his funeral service in Landover Hills, the pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church told the mourners to think of Bowen dancing with God in heaven as they remembered his joy for life.

Bowen kept on fighting to stay alive and with his family until he died on March 14th.

"I guarantee you he was fighting with all of his heart, all of his heart all the way to the end," Sullins said.

"When you give up one's life for your country and you're repaid by being buried at Arlington, it is an honor," Keene said.

Sgt. 1st Class Collin Bowen was the first member of the Maryland Army National Guard to give his life while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. He is also the first member of the 175th to be killed in combat since World War II.