A Soldier's Journey: Stephen M. McGowan

High-Risk Operation
2/18/05

Hey Everyone,
Well, the latest for me is I will be going to an  undisclosed location for a 2 week operation. It is a high priority/high risk deal. This is one you should see on CNN soon. I will not be returning to the FOB during this time so emails and phone calls will not happen. I have asked  about what will happen if I am supposed to leave in the top of next month for  leave, but they have no answer for me. That means I will be pushed back. So my battalion is living up to its reputation for screwing the soldier. So I don't know what to tell you all about leave. As soon as I know, you will know. I will be leaving tomorrow so don't bother writing back. Take care all and hopefully I will see you soon.
Stephen

Leave Date Given
3/2/05

Hello Everyone,
Well the mission I was on isn't over, but my part is. So when the rest of the elements make their way back in the next few days, I will  be able to tell you what all the hoopla was about. … Unfortunately, it's hard to keep up with the losses we sustain. On our most recent mission, a friend of mine was killed. He was a guy I played rugby with in Korea. He was hit in the neck  with a mortar during an attack. The good news was that the round didn't explode so five other soldiers walked away from it. I can only hope to do this job long enough to catch the insurgents who did it.

On a lighter note, I have been given a leave  date. I am supposed to leave country on the 22nd of March. That should put me in the States around the 25th. As the day gets closer, I will be more certain of  times and dates. So keep checking the email. I'm sure you can imagine that I am  pretty excited. So hopefully we will be tossing back a few beers together in 3  weeks. Until then, I send all my love to you all.
Stephen

McGowan and three other Marines were killed by an IED that hit their vehicle in Ramadi on March 4. McGowan became known as the 'Beanie Baby' soldier because he often handed out the small plush toys to Iraqi children.

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