Army Sgt. Brian K. Mowery, 49, of Halifax, Pa.
Sgt Mowery was assigned to 131st Transportation Company, 213th Area Support Group, Pennsylvania National Guard, Williamstown, Pa., died July 18, 2011 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his convoy with an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth R. VanGiesen and Army Sgt. Edward W. Koehler.
Sgt Mowery graduated Central Dauphin High in 1980. He started his military career in the Marines Corps Reserves from 1979 to 1985. After a 15 year break, he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2000 as an infantry team leader and motor transport operator. He served for several months in Kosovo from 2003 to 2004
He was active during the Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission from 2003-2004 and Katrina Relief in 2005. He was deployed to Afghanistan this past January.
Sgt Mowery was home on leave last month when his daughter graduated high school. As a graduation present, he took his daughter to get a tattoo. Before the week was out, he was back at the same place getting one for himself.
“He would have been 50,” Sgt. First Class Harry Shipman said, “but he had the heart of a 21-year-old.”
“Don’t get all depressed for him,” Spec. Don DeLoach said. “It would piss him off. He’d want us to drink a beer.”
“Brian Mowery exemplified what it means to be a noncommissioned officer and served as an example to the younger soldiers around him. He demonstrated leadership potential far above his rank and never hesitated to assume responsibility, no matter how big the challenge.”
“The impact of the tragic loss of our three soldiers is felt throughout the entire Pennsylvania National Guard. We will honor their service by caring for their families left behind, and by increasing our determination to accomplish the mission they set out to do.”
Dad, Pops, Pappy,
There will never be a day i don't remind my girls, how brave, loving, and loyal a grandfather they had. My heart aches with the pure fact that I'll miss you till it's my turn. God has used your life and death in ways I don't think you could have ever imagined. Love,"your favorite daughter in law" ~ Emily Mowery, Halifax, Pennsylvania
July 28, 2011
Not a football star, or a baseball star or a basketball star, but a true American Hero who was willing to die for his country. You are and always will be a life time friend of mine. I will never forget Marine Corps bootcamp. you were tough when you first got to Parris Island and one of the toughest when you left Parris Island. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. U-Rah Marine! Miss ya buddy. Eric M., Mechanicsburg, PA
While In C company, Brian and I served together as team leaders in the same squad. Despite sharing the same rank, I always looked up to him personally and professionally. He often times provided the comic relief needed during stressful times. May you rest in peace my brother.~Robert S., Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
SSgt Mowery's awards and decorations include:
Purple Heart
Bronze Star
Army Commendation Medal (2)
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal
Army Achievement Medal
NATO Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Driver and Mechanic Badge
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Governor's Unit Citation
SSgt Mowery was laid to rest at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
SSgt Mowery is survived by father, Harry; wife of 32 years, Sharon; children, Brian, Brandon, Nichole and Kaitlyn; siblings, Shawn, Michael,Terry and Kathy. He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia.
Army Sgt. Brian K. Mowery was killed in action on 7/18/11.
1 comment:
Brian was the best fire team leader on the best squad in my platoon in Kosovo. He was one of those soldiers who "got it." In one of those ironies, we saw each other for five minutes as I was leaving Afghanistan and he was arriving. He will be missed. Mike O'
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