FAST FACTS:
april.thompson@wreg.com
(Memphis 10/5/2009)- "He was always that type of person. He wanted to help and do things for other people less fortunate than himself." says Lynda Owens, mother of fallen soldier Brandon Owens,
When a loved one is suddenly gone, those left behind cling to memories.That's what 21 year old Brandon Owens' family is clinging to.
"At four years old I use to call him my little man because he was always mature enough to hold conversations." says Brandon's mother.
Friday afternoon they got the visit military families dread.
"As we approached our home we saw two officers and a van outside and automatically I knew." says Eric Owens, Brandon's father.
Brandon's 118th Military Police Unit in Afghanistan had come under enemy attack.
Brandon was killed.
His family is remembering the energetic and fun loving young man who loved basketball and whose trophies are still in his room.
"They called him Lil B. He'd be at the basketball game having himself a ball." says Brandon's mother.
Brandon graduated from Woodale High School in 2007 and signed up for the army the next year.
His family says Brandon knew that service sometimes means sacrifice.
Now his parents turn to their faith to prepare for life without Brandon.
"It's just a matter of having peace within your soul, knowing your child left you with joy." says Brandon's father. Brandon Owens was based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His parents expect his body to be returned to Memphis in day or so. They will begin making funeral arrangements once he is brought back.
- 21-year-old Private Brandon Owens killed in Afghanistan Friday
- Parents say Private Owens wanted to make a difference
- Private Owens' family says faith and memories help them cope with the tragedy
april.thompson@wreg.com
(Memphis 10/5/2009)- "He was always that type of person. He wanted to help and do things for other people less fortunate than himself." says Lynda Owens, mother of fallen soldier Brandon Owens,
When a loved one is suddenly gone, those left behind cling to memories.That's what 21 year old Brandon Owens' family is clinging to.
"At four years old I use to call him my little man because he was always mature enough to hold conversations." says Brandon's mother.
Friday afternoon they got the visit military families dread.
"As we approached our home we saw two officers and a van outside and automatically I knew." says Eric Owens, Brandon's father.
Brandon's 118th Military Police Unit in Afghanistan had come under enemy attack.
Brandon was killed.
His family is remembering the energetic and fun loving young man who loved basketball and whose trophies are still in his room.
"They called him Lil B. He'd be at the basketball game having himself a ball." says Brandon's mother.
Brandon graduated from Woodale High School in 2007 and signed up for the army the next year.
His family says Brandon knew that service sometimes means sacrifice.
Now his parents turn to their faith to prepare for life without Brandon.
"It's just a matter of having peace within your soul, knowing your child left you with joy." says Brandon's father. Brandon Owens was based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His parents expect his body to be returned to Memphis in day or so. They will begin making funeral arrangements once he is brought back.
