Brandon J. Rowe Obituary

It has taken me 15 years to speak of Brandon. In March of 2003 I was tasked with transporting his remains from outside Najaf, Iraq to the nearby MASH. I want his family to know that he will never be forgotten! Especially by his brothers. I dont have the words to express my gratitude for the sacrifice Brandon and his family have made. Until Valhalla brother!

Brandon, I think about you often but especially this time of year. I know your family and friends miss you and wish they could talk with you. You meant so much to so many people.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Rowe Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

To the Rowe Family ,Brandon will not be forgotten. His memory will live onin our hearts from all the members of C Co. 502nd

March 31, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon J. Rowe:
Always remembering Brandon. "Some gave all."

I was just thinking about you today and was remembering all the fun times we had. Miss you Brandon!!!

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon J. Rowe:
Please accept my remembrance of Brandon on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To Brandon's family and friends, I am remembering Brandons sacrifice eight years ago today. I am a former C/Co. 1-502 mom and 2003 seems like only yesterday in so many ways. Wendy, he will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Spc. Brandon J. Rowe:
Remembering Brandon on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]

On 25 October this year Brandon's name will be on my jersey for the Marine Corps Marathon and supporting TAPS. It is my honor to honor this solder and his family's sacred gift to our country and freedom. God be with you all.

Brandon, my uncle. Also one of the many heroes to serve his country and die. He is in my and my families heart and soul he will stay there until we meet again. The last day I saw him was the happiest day ever. When i got the news he had been killed my heart shattered. To those who have written in, comrades, brothers, or even others I thsnk you with my deepest appreciation and grattitude. Your loving and caring family member Devon

Wow... My name is Austin from Fullerton, California. I stumbled across Brandon's tribute completely by happenstance. You see, I take part in a hobby known as Geocaching, a glorified version of professional scavenger hunts. Two nights ago, I came across a secret cache with two coins. One had the outline of Italy on it. One was a beautiful coin, gold plated with the image of the typical fallen soldier motif "the war helmet on a shovel", reading

"IN OUR MEMORIES, IN OUR HEARTS".

I did a search on the coin, and checked out the significance, and when it was registered, I was notified that the coin was one of thousands that was dedicated to fallen heroes. the coin, numbered US5YH8 was dedicated to Spc. Brandon Rowe. On the website,

http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=US5yh8

there was a link to this page. And I read on, everything I found. And so I got to this tribute.

It is an honor to carry this coin, dedicated to your son, on my scavenger hunts throughout Orange County, California. It may seem silly, I know. But now that I have read these tributes, and know a little about the young man who did what I wish I had the courage to do myself, it doesn't seem so silly to me. I was moved by the beautiful things that people had written about him, enough to put a tear in my eye. There are many soldiers in my family, and we know the fear of losing one to fighting the good fight. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for living for US.

-The_Brown_Duke from www.geocaching.com

Rowe Family,
I was in 2nd platoon in iraq with brandon and was with him in his last moments. I shared alot of great memories with brandon in his final years, he was such a great friend and brother. His memory will never fade from my heart. He will always be a brother to me. I see his name on my wrist every morning when I wake up and will never forget him!

To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day

Brandon you'll always be with me. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and your family. I pray that your family can have comfort that you died defending our freedom. It was an honor to know and serve with you. Once a Cobra always a Cobras.

To the family of Spc. Brandon J. Rowe:
Brandon gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Dear Brandon-
So much has happened in the almost 6 years since you went home. It seems like yesterday and at the same time, an eternity. I sure wish you didn't have to go but I know that it was meant to be.
You had a special mission when you were here on earth, and you fulfilled it. I'm glad to say that I can think about you more now, and not cry so much. But it's hard when a big piece of your heart is missing. I'm trying to be brave because you were, but I just miss you so much.
There are so many people who's lives have been touched because of you. It is just amazing. It is so wonderful to hear from your friends and from people we don't even know, sharing the kind words that they have for you. It really does help and keeps me going.
My life has been blessed because you were in it Brandon. I'm so very thankful for the years I had with you. I just wish there could have been more. But I guess there would never be enough.
Please know that no matter how far away you are, I love you forever and for always. Til we meet again, remember you'll always be my baby!
Love you, Mama.

I was in Iraq with Brandon, when he past away we were all hurt very much. Brandon was good guy. He was a brother to us all in 2nd Plt. An he'll be deeply missed.

Dear family of Spc. Brandon J. Rowe,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

To the family of Spc. Rowe,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. May God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

i grew up a few blocks from you and never met you, but when i went to iraq with Eco 1-502nd infantry 101st airbourne people still talk about you and what a good soldier and friend you are, im sorry this had to happen to you but from a soldier to a soldier thank you. your the true hero in my book. rest in peace bud

My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

To the family and friends of Brandon. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

May God and His Angels surround you and bring you comfort.

Please contact me so I can email you a picture of an Angel and soldier that I drew.

xo xo
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
http://remembering-the-fallen.blogspot.com/

My heartfelt sympathy to the Rowe family in the loss of Brandon. I did not know Brandon, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Brandon you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Rowe!

Dear Brandon,
I want to thank you for keeping watch over my Grandson on his 1st tour of Iraq. He made it home safe and has been called back for a 2nd tour. I pray you will keep a steady watch on him this time also and see him safely home once again. Thank you for keeping our soldiers safe and serving our country as the patriot you are. We are proud.

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Rowe and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

In Remembrance of this Fine Young Soldier, Spc. Brandon J. Rowe, with so much gratitude for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

May Brandon, rest safely in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Rowe family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4


May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers Brandon's sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.

On behalf of "Gold Star Siblings" please accept our heartfelt condolences.

You are truly missed and you will be in our hearts forever.

I didn't know Brandon but I am honored to have served in the same unit as he did. The pains of being in the military during wartime is that you lose people close to you and those you just might have seen in passing in the Dining hall or running during PT. Either way, my condolences to the Rowe family and friends. Godspeed.



STRIKE

Brandon was the nicest guy i have ever met, still to this day. he was incredibly fun to be around and had a smile that nobody could ever forget. i know that i haven't and i know that i never will. see ya later buddy!

Always our Hero. Gold Star Mother

I grew up with Brandon. I couldn't of asked for a better friend. I think of you every day bro. Wish you were around to come to my wedding. I miss you bro. God Bless your friend for ever.



Joe

Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. You are truly an American hero, and will not be forgotten. May God give your family peace and understanding. Rest in peace.

Dear Rowe family,

My husband served in the 101st Airborne when your son was killed. He wanted the memory of your son to live on. He was proud that he was in the 101st and on the day your son was killed we decided that if we were to have a son that we would love to name him Brandon Rowe. Well I'd like to let you know that my Brandon Rowe is now 5 months old. He's a delight and will always hold a very strong name. We are proud of your son and the many soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Know that we pray for you and your family.

Love, Michael & Mary Merritt & our little Brandon Rowe Merritt

At this point in time my Grandson is serving in Iraq. Although I understand the anguish of this mother it is inconcievable that I could endure her pain. My prayers are with her and her family. Thank you just dosen't seem to be enough for his service and the greatest of sacrifices they have made for all of us but Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Spc. Brandon J. Rowe please be the Angel that guides my Grandson home.

We never met,but share the same name.I was moved in reading the tributes that flowed. Braver than I, fighting for freedom.God bless your soul .

May God be with your family at this time and know that he died for what he believed in and loved...Our Country and for you and me...Thank you for him...my God reward him in heaven and your family all the days of your lives and beyond.

I received Spc Rowe's Hero Bracelet and send my love and support to his family on this 2nd anniversary of his passing. God Bless and I think of your son, brother, daily as I wear his name on my wrist. My heart and prayers to you and yours.....

Dr. Michael Gray

Scottsdale, AZ

"Patriotism is not the fear of something, it is the love of something" Your son showed this love by giving his life for the country he loved. I as a veteran myself understand this love. Your son is a HERO! May God smile upon your family the rest of your days! SEMPER FI (ALWAYS FAITHFUL)

To the family of Brandon,

Brandon was a hero, such a short life, but God knows all about everything and he is still in control. I too gave up a special person in the Nam war, my husband and he was only 23, but I am sure they were proud to serve our country. Thanks Brandon for helping keep us free.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, please know that you are in my prayers.

God Bless you

To the family of Brandon: We wish to express to you our deepest sympathy for your son who was a brave soldier. His sacrifice for his country was a supreme one. We are so grateful for his courage and honor that he brought to our nation.

"Be a life long or short, it's completeness depends on what it was lived for." (David Star Jordan)

Sometimes life seems hard to bear, full of sorrow, trouble and woe. It's then you have to remember, that it's in the valleys we grow.



We do not always understand why things happen as they do, But I am very sure of one thing. Our Lord will see us through.



Thank you for valleys, Lord, for this one thing I know. The mountain tops are glorious, but it's in the valleys we grow!



Have a blessed day!

Thank you for sharing your son with us. It was an honor to read such a tribute and I was truly touched. May God bless you in everything you do and please know that our prayers are with you and your family today and in the days to come.



God Bless you,

Barb

You have joined the list of those forever young. You gave your all for a cause you felt just. There is no way we can repay you or your family for the price you paid. As a parent, I mourn along with your family and friends. As an American, I thank you. There is a special place in the next life that is reserved for heros. Take your place with honor, young warrior.

For your ultimate sacrifice, may God richly bless your family and friends.

We must give the ultimate gift,"our life" for others to be free. May GOD bless you and your family.

Charles McGinty

Teacher/ Clay County High School

Manchester, Ky.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brandon. He is a true hero and will always be remembered for the willingness to die for his country. His bravery, courage, strength and love of his country are a true testament to how he was raised. May Brandon continue to watch over and protect his country.

I did not know Brandon, but want to express my deepest sympathy to your family. My sincerest thanks to Brandon for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice! May God Bless your family. The World is a better place because of Brandon!

FOR YOUR HONOR, YOUR COURGAGE, & YOUR STRENGTH. MAY YOUR FOREVER ENJOY THE GIFTS THAT GOD HAS PROMISED US ALL.

Brandon:

The world is a better place because of heroes like yourself and individuals throughout the world appreciate your service. May Jesus comfort you and watch over your loved-ones. God bless.

Thank you, Brandon, for loving your country enough to fight for it. It's because of people like you that we have the freedom we have. May you walk in the garden with Jesus today.