Petty officer doesn’t give up

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Aug. 8 might have been just another day for some people, but for one Derby native it was a he will probably never forget.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Gowen, explosive ordinance disposal specialist, was going through his daily routine, knocking down doors, disarming improvised explosive devices, and conducting combat operations in Iraq.

While the petty officer first class and his team waited for Iraqi authorities to clear a building, an explosion occurred inside causing a wall to collapse and fall on him. He received serious internal injuries.

Soon afterwards, the EOD specialist was air evacuated to the 86th Combat Support Hospital, Baghdad, where he received life-saving surgery. After being stabilized, he was sent to Landstuhl, Germany then again to Bethesda Naval Hospital, Washington, D.C.

After intensive care at Bethesda Naval Hospital, he has since been moved to Pensacola, Fla. for re-habilitation.

"Its just amazing the treatment [servicemen] are receiving," said his mother, Deborah Gowen, also a Derby native.

"It's very humbling," said his father Terry Gowen, also from Derby.

Although his re-habilitation time is still undetermined, Petty Officer 1st Class Gowen has shown significant improvement. He has exceeded many of the tests his physicians have set. Although he is improving, he still may face more surgery.

Despite all, the wounded Sailor continues for the future after being released back to duty, he plans to teach at the Explosive Ordinance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"[Petty Officer 1st Class Gowen] is an outstanding EOD operator and team leader and his exceptional performance will truly be missed by all of us in theater," stated Navy Col. Kevin Lutz, counter IED task force commander.

Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command commander, awarded Petty Officer 1st Class Gowen the Purple Heart at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Aug. 22 for his leadership and performance while serving in Iraq.