I first met Alan about 10 years ago. He was dating Dawn while she and I were both working at The Times-News. He, Dawn, my wife and I became friends. We attended their
wedding. Al used to come to the softball diamond and watch Dawn and I and my
wife play for The Times-News city league softball team. He'd show up to practice
with us sometimes, too, often after having run across town in the searing heat. Alan
was a terrible softball player -- he endured a lot of wisecracks at his expense -- but he was always in great shape and he
genuinely loved spending time with Dawn.
They liked to have people over for barbecue. I remember a lot of enjoyable evenings sitting around their quiet Hagerman home, enjoying good food, cold
beer and a good conversation. Alan grew up in a small town, but he knew a lot
about world affairs. He was a wonderful person, a good father, good friend, and
good soldier. He liked to work on cars and be outdoors. Even though we did not always agree on things political, he had a great deal of respect for people, and
the sort of character that allowed him to take in another point of view whether he agreed with it or not. He was an old-school conservative, who believed freedom was for everyone.
Our friendship was built in an era when conservatives like him and liberals like me could actually have a conversation
without screaming at one another. (Remember those days?)
I remember when Dawn and Alan visited us in Eugene several years ago; we took them on a tour of
the city and ended up at a little coffee shop that was frequented in those days by some of the more, uh, interesting members
of the local activist community. Alan, with his crew cut and military demeanor,
stuck out like a sore thumb and was quickly engaged in conversation by a scruffy fellow who claimed a military background
of his own. The two couldn't have been more different, but they parted with mutual
respect, and I think Alan was probably the least uncomfortable person in the place.
That's just the way he was.
Like most military families, the Rowes moved a lot. We always maintained phone contact, and we visited when we could.
Most recently, my family was in Southern California for a week in June. Alan was on maneuvers
in the desert in Arizona, preparing for his second tour of duty in Iraq (actually his third if you count the time he
was there during the first Gulf War).
Dawn and their two kids, Blake, 5, and Caitlin, 3, spent several
days at the hotel with us and we all spent time at Disneyland together. Those children are truly delightful,
and Blake is a carbon copy of his father. One day, we took Blake to the beach
with us. He and my son were great buddies. I know Blake wished his dad could be there; he said so several times. They called
him on the phone whenever they could reach him.
We exchanged gifts (for the kids mostly) and family videos at holiday
time. The one that really sticks in my head is with Alan playing in the snow with his kids. (From a year-plus ago when they
lived in Virginia, before he was transferred back to Twentynine Palms). He loved his family and his country with equal passion, and
was willing to lay down his life for either.
We knew Alan was in dangerous territory. On his first tour in Iraq, his unit guarded money trucks
taking cash into Baghdad to pay for the reconstruction. He had some pretty harrowing stories. When his mother-in-law called us at 7:30
a.m.
Saturday, I knew the worst had happened. It's still hard to believe. I know Al was doing what he loved and doing something
he believed in very strongly.
The information I have about his death comes from his wife, via
my wife. He and his unit were being shown the area they would be patrolling by members of the unit they were replacing. This
is in the al Anbar province near the Syrian border. As they approached a bridge, the Marines stopped their vehicles and got
out to inspect it to make sure it was safe. As they walked back to their vehicles, a remote-controlled explosive was detonated,
killing Alan and three others, and injuring two.
It breaks my heart to think of that brave, delightful little boy,
and his sister, growing up without a daddy. I wish them their father's strength. They'll need it.
-- Brad Bowlin, Eugene, OR
I met Alan Rowe when he was a Corporal,
and I was a Lance Corporal. If you could imagine a young Marine that could rate a 5.0, 5.0 pro con marks, you would have Alan
in your mind's eye. I remember razzing him about it on many occasions, "Hey Rowe, check out this huge puddle, do you think
you could raise your arms and part it for us? I don't think we can get across like you, just walking on the top."
I remember the one time he ran a 299 PFT, how upset he was with
himself, and how he was going to run 10 miles everyday, to make up that one second.
Or when he fired the pistol for qualification, and was informed
that he had shot marksman, Alan protested, and protested, and was found to be right, the scorer was a very confused Lance
Corporal, who couldn't figure out how to add that many 10s together at the same time.
Alan could do all these things better than everyone, yet he lacked
one trait that many who are so capable have by the bushel. He lacked conceit.
I have never met a Marine who had met Rowe that did not respect
and admire him. He had a quiet confidence that instilled the desire for others to emulate and follow. What he did better,
he would teach others to do better. If someone could do something better than he, he would learn from them willingly. He was
not begrudged his natural abilities, but instilled pride in those around him because he was with us, on our team, the best
of us.
Now, the world will be without the best of us, at least in the physical
sense. But, for those of us who were lucky enough to know him, he will still be there -- raising the bar one inch higher so
that we continue to push ourselves; right next to us on that run, challenging us to run that one bit faster; and for those
of us in harm's way, standing by us, with that quiet confidence, so that we may lead the way he led us.
Semper Fidelis Alan.
-- David M. Kirscht, Staff Sergeant U.S.M.C.
There was never a prouder, more dedicated
Marine than Alan Rowe. Our Marine Corps has lost one who was destined for a leadership role at the flag level and our nation
has lost a true hero.
Alan came into our lives through our son, Jon. Alan and Jon bunked
together during Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course. Jon could not restrain himself when talking about the support Alan gave to him
during this time and the leadership qualities of this fine human being. When Jon married, Alan was there by his side as part
of the wedding party. Alan and Jon forged a personal relationship that only Marines can understand.
As time went by, my wife and I had the honor of visiting Alan and
Dawn on different occasions and corresponding from time to time. We were so impressed with the way he performed his role as
father and husband. He was so devoted to Dawn, Blake, and Caitlin. Our prayers shall forever be with them.
Jon and I made a special trip to San Diego two years ago just to visit
Alan and his family. As always, their hospitality and the time they set aside for us was so enjoyable.
Now, Jon and I are coming to Idaho to see Alan's beloved country and to honor a
true hero.
Semper Fi.
--Jim Rudy, Johnson City, TN
Not only was Alan my brother-in-law
but he was also a very good friend. The past three days have been the worst three of my life. The reason for this is that
Alan was such an amazing man. He was the most patient man I have ever met and I don't ever recall a cutting remark coming
out of his mouth. He was always a true gentleman and I looked up to him with great pride and honor for who God made him into.
I am also deeply saddened for his wife, Dawn (my sister) and his
two children, Blake and Caitlin knowing that they will be without their husband and dad. My solace is that we will all, some
day, be reunited with him. Thank you for writing about him. It will be helpful for all those who are grieving.
God Bless You.
-- John Haynes
My name is Laura Harlan and I met Dawn
in college -- we have been friends since 1986. After Dawn and Alan were married, we actually lost touch for a while due to
her frequent moves, busy lives, etc.
Fortunately I was able to track her down a few years back and we
have stayed in close contact like the old days ever since. Dawn and Alan built a beautiful life and family. It was so wonderful
to hear the updates about the kids and daily life as we are separated by so many miles -- I am in Maryland and they were usually somewhere
on the West Coast.
Dawn has been a very special person -- always the responsible one
since our friendship began -- always supportive, helpful, and generous. Alan, although I did not know him as well, seemed
a gentle giant to me. They were a perfect match. Dawn and I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend together with our
children at my home last year when they were in Virginia. We laughed about how weird it was that all these years later our sons were taking a bath
together.
Let’s just say I have such respect for Alan and his ethic
-- I thank God for all he has done for our country. I am broken-hearted for Dawn but also know that she has the strength to
get through this. Their children are a treasure, and I have no doubt they will make their father proud of them as they grow
with their parents' strength and values always.
-- Laura Harlan
I was so pleased and honored to be invited
to the wedding of Dawn Haynes and Alan Rowe 11 years ago.
It was evident that day that Alan gave true meaning to the phrase
"an officer and a gentleman." The ceremony was beautiful and immediately following, Alan carefully assisted Dawn into the
rumble seat of a 1932 red Ford Roadster. He then entered in full Marine uniform carefully making sure his saber was properly
handled. Oh, what a beautiful couple!
Through the years, I have enjoyed their friendship and the added
benefit of the birth of their two children, Blake and Caitlin. When I see Blake, I see his dad and in Caitlin, I see the strength
of her dad as well.
Just this July I was so happy to be with Dawn, Alan, Blake, and Caitlin
in Catalina, a place we all love. I had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Alan regarding his upcoming assignment to
Iraq. He willingly spoke of the need of our being there and his great esteem for his Commander in
Chief, George Bush. Alan is the ultimate patriot in every sense of the word.
I will miss him immensely but I will cherish the memories of my
many visits with an officer and a gentleman.
-- Ruby A. Miller, San Pedro, CA
I've known Alan Rowe most of my life and we were very close friends. I am not sure anyone was as proud of Alan as
I am. I don't know how many times I told friends about Alan and how he went into the Marine Corps as an enlisted soldier and
through hard work and dedication became a captain. Alan was/is what a Marine should strive to become. Alan was dedicated to
the Marine Corps and his family. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his children more than anything. This really
showed when I talked with Alan before he was sent back to Iraq
and he was telling me about how his son Blake was getting so big and becoming a little man. Blake had figured out how to change
batteries in one of his toys and Alan sure was proud. Alan was excited about going back to Iraq and disappointed about how
the media reported nothing but the negative and none of the positive things they were doing there. Alan was proud they had
defeated a ruthless regime and were attempting to bring freedom to the Middle East. Unfortunately, many people will focus on this as one of those negatives, but I know Alan would not want that.
I remember telling my wife how much Alan loved and believed in what he was doing. He absolutely loved being a Marine. Any
of us who know Alan and Dawn know it is because of her, Alan was able to be as successful a Marine as he was. No one could
ask for a better or more supportive wife and mother. Dawn is definitely the glue that holds the family together. Thank you
for the opportunity to tell you about my friend Alan Rowe, Captain USMC.
--Sgt. Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Police Department (Idaho)
I just wanted to say on behalf of the former Magic Valley Jaycees and myself that we are all saddened
to hear of the death of Alan Rowe... Our hopes and prayers go out to Dawn, Blake,
and Caitlin, along with the entire Rowe family... It was my joy to meet Alan
and Dawn in the early '90s and get to know them... following their lives when they married and then following their lives
as they traveled to different military bases, and along the way being blessed with the birth of two children... Alan was a loving husband and father and his family meant a lot to him... He was a quiet man, for he spoke through his actions and deeds... He stood for what he believed in, to
that there was never a doubt... If there ever were a person that represented
the ideals of a true Marine, it would be Alan... He will be missed by all those whom were blessed to know him...
With sadness deep sympathy,
--Henk Heeling, Twin Falls ID
I knew Captain Alan Rowe through my wife, Laura. She has been best friends with his wife since they
were girls. It comes as a complete shock for our whole family to hear about Alan's death. Through family get-togethers, I
came to know Alan. He always presented himself as a thoughtful and respectful young man. There would be times coming home
from birthday parties and the like that Laura and I would talk about how nice Alan was. He always made me feel very comfortable
even when I first met him. What touched me most about Alan was his simple sincerity and straightforwardness, although you
could also sense a deep and strong person. He was very proud of his military career but never boastful. I would not have thought
he was a military person if I meet him on the street. He was gentle and quiet.
It is precisely those qualities that made him not only an exceptional Marine but also a truly impressive man.
We will all miss Alan Rowe for different reasons. For his family, they will miss a loving husband and
cherished father. For his parents, they will miss a beloved son. For our family we will miss a kind and gentle soul, and so
will the entire world.
--Mario and Laura Curti, Huntington Beach CA
Alan was a
loving father, husband, a hell of Marine, and a dear friend. He had done and seen all the things that make an individual want
to be a Marine. Alan and I were roommates during college and had served together in the same reserve unit, Company C 4th Tank
Battalion, Boise. We hunted, shot weapons, and drank beer together. Alan was in
my wedding and I had the privilege of sharing in some of his family's special days. Dawn, you are the perfect complement for
Alan. You balanced him and made sense of his fascination to buy more cars and more weapons. Most of all, you loved him and
he loved you. I have grown to see both as my extended brother and sister that had provided me comfort and encouragement at
times when I needed it. I was fortunate enough to have seen Alan off at the airport before he departed for Iraq. We talked for an hour.
We talked very little about the Marines and this deployment to Iraq, which was unusual for Alan.
What we mostly talked about was Dawn, Blake, and Caitlin. We talked about their birthday party a few months back; we talked
about the car he wished he had moved out of the garage for Dawn; we talked about how he wished he had taken more leave so
that he could have spent time with Dawn and the kids. Lastly, we promised each other that when he returned that we'd both
take some leave, head to the river and take Dawn and the kids on the boat, water ski, barbecue, and talk about old times together.
I know that Dawn, Blake, and Caitlin were on his mind from the time he left California
to the time of his passing to heaven. You are my friend and my brother-in-arms, you shall not be forgotten, and most of all
Blake and Caitlin will remember all the qualities that made you...you. All the Marine uncles that will ensure that this happens.
Alan my brother, rest in peace, your family will be well looked after, and I'll see you in heaven at the bar.
PS. You buy the first
round.
--Captain Thomas A Garcia Twin Falls, ID I-I, Co D 4th
Tank Battalion
I am saddened today by the news of Alan Rowe's death. I write to you so people that didn't know Alan
might know his kind and generous heart. Never a kinder man would you meet. And you'd never need another friend in the world
if you were lucky enough to call Alan Rowe your friend.
As most people who knew Alan know that he was a car enthusiast. Shortly before my husband met Alan, he caught the
bug too. Alan was a student of my husband in Virginia two years ago. They immediately
hit it off and talked cars all the time. Alan helped him work on his and was a never-ending source of information and encouragement.
Never a task too difficult to assist with.
In February 2003, my husband was deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom. Shortly after that, my husband's beloved
car stopped working. Alan with his kind heart took an entire Sunday afternoon to come to over and work on that car -- giving
up time with his beautiful wife and children. I thanked Alan but knew my words would never repay the debt of gratitude I felt.
He was always there even if you didn't ask. He was a man that thought with his heart first. Our prayers are with
Dawn, Blake, and Caitlin. We as a community will help those children remember and know that their father was a hero to us
all, not just as a Marine, but also as a human being. May we all take a moment and be as kind to someone as Alan Rowe was
to everyone everyday. May God bless him and keep him forever. We lost a friend lost Friday but God gained an angel.
--Mary R. Montgomery, Oceanside, CA
