Volunteers band together to help Saline Marine injured in Afghanistan
Kenny Bowen loves the outdoors.
His experiences hunting, fishing and camping were part of the reason he joined the U.S. Marines. And it's part of why he voluntarily extended his deployment in some of the most rugged and unforgiving terrain on the planet after a successful stint as a squad leader.
But it wasn’t long into his second tour in Afghanistan when Cprl. Bowen was seriously injured by a roadside bomb on Jan. 24. He was hurled from the passenger seat of the armored vehicle by the explosion and suffered second- and third-degree burns on more than 40 percent of his body.
“He was the lucky one,” his mother, Wendy, said recently from her Saline home, noting that two of his fellow U.S. Marines died from their injuries. “But he’s got a long road ahead of him.”
Bowen, 25, has spent much of the year at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas - renowned as the military’s top critical burn care center - rehabbing from multiple skin grafts and other surgeries.
Bowen is expected to recover, but the severity of the burns and delicate treatments needed to repair his skin prohibits him from being in direct sunlight. He’s also at severe risk for infection, making the outdoors and the potential for bug bites a deadly hazard.
That’s why last weekend, dozens of professional builders, tradesmen and residents from around Washtenaw County volunteered to help to ease Bowen’s recovery by building a screened sun porch adjoined to the deck at the family's home off Judd Road.
The effort, organized by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor, culminates seven months of planning and earnest fund-raising, said chairman David Haig of Ann-Arbor based D.A. Haig Construction.
Haig said his committee looked through several nominated projects - from room remodeling to reconstructing an entire house - but Bowen’s project resonated immediately.
“We really wanted a project that was special and everybody felt good about doing something good for a returning veteran,” Haig said. “Especially one who had been wounded.”
Nearly two dozen local companies and service organizations either donated materials, labor or funds toward construction of the 14-foot by 18-foot cedar porch. It was designed by KSF Architects, and Fingerle Lumber and Allied Roofing provided most of the building materials.
Haig said the project was expected to be complete within a few days. But they're still several thousand dollars short of their fund-raising goal and will continue to collect donations for Bowen’s homecoming.
The Saline High School graduate will be evaluated by a panel of doctors in two weeks. Depending on his progress, they’ll decide whether he stays in Texas for an additional six to 12 months, Bowen’s mother said.
On doctors' advice, Wendy Bowen expects her son to be living at their home for at least another two years after his return.
In the meantime, she said her son is working hard on his recovery and is enjoying spending time with his younger brother, Goeffrey, who also enlisted in the U.S. Marines and was transferred to San Antonio to assist.
Kenny Bowen is humbled by the outpouring of support and effort from the community, especially from many people he’s never met, his mother said.
“He’s really, really grateful,” she said. “Just being able to be outside again, protected from the elements will mean a lot to him.”
Donations can be made by check to the Washtenaw Home Builders Association Foundation with Corporal Bowen in the memo line. The mailing address is 179 Little Lake Dr., Ann Arbor MI 48103, or call 734-996-0100.
Art Aisner is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
huh7891
Wed, Sep 30, 2009 : 8:56 a.m.
Laura Bien, If it were not for this young man and thousands of others that have entered into the services to protect and serve our country you would not be enjoying that "modest" little lifestyle that you claim you have. Perhaps you may want to consider that before you rattle off your smart remarks. You need to learn how to respect someone that has put their life on the line so you and I can enjoy the freedom we do everyday.
maggie6658
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 11:43 a.m.
I, too, have known Kenny and his family for years, they are wonderful, loving, patriotic people who have sacrificed so much for others. I am just amazed that someone could even think of accusing him, or others in our Armed Forces, of joining the military so they get "college benefits". How dare you! These are the young men and women who stand up for our country, believe in what they are doing and protect the rights of the innocent. It is because of them that we can live in peace and enjoy the freedom that being an American is all about. My son is also a US Marine, I have endured two deployments with him and am so proud of what he has given generously and whole heartedly to our country. I have also been witness to the pain and suffering Kenny and his family have gone through; they have shown amazing strength and courage in this personal battle. I think it is wonderful that our fellow Americans have stepped up to the plate to help out; definitely a tremendous show of respect and compassion to someone less fortunate. I love Kenny as if he was my own son, no one, is more deserving of this expression of kindness. Semper Fi, Kenny, Chas, Geoff, Sean and all the other wonderful men and women of our Military!!!!
19usmc87
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 10:42 a.m.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ken for many years as a teacher and a coach. He joined purely out of wanting to give back to a country that he felt gave him so much. Laura how about this. Pack your meager belongings and move to a country where you have all the freedoms that you are given, with none of the fine young people to defend your liberties. I will match the $100 and give $100 for Laura if she promises not to post negative comments towards the people who protect her way of life with their lives. Kenny will carry the scars both mentally and physically for the rest of his life. That's a pretty high price to pay just to get some money for school. Semper Fi - Kenny
GM
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 9:27 a.m.
You can agree or disagree with policy, but regardless, men and women signed up and are risking their lives, at the very minimum, because their government told them this is what their job was, and at most, because they believe in what they are doing. Either way, they are putting themselves in harm's way, trying to do the right thing. Debate everything else all you want, but the troops deserve our support.
LA
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 8:31 a.m.
LB's comments, while allowed legally, are very insulting to be used in response to this article. No matter what reason anyone signs up for the military, there is always a chance that they will be called on to fight for their country. I hate war. I think Bush made a terrible mistake in starting one. BUT that is besides the point here! Germans were not attacking Detroiter's in their homes in WW2, but can we deny that my dad, and thousands of other men and women, did the right thing in joining the armed forces? I'm afraid the reality is that we still need an 'army' and will for the foreseeable future. In the best of all possible worlds, kids will only be given a way to fund their education and see the world. It doesn't take "two" to start a war... only one. Obviously you have no respect for others who do the work of the world for you - so that you may live in comfort and freedom.
Steve Pepple
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 8:27 a.m.
A comment was taken down because it included a personal attack on another commenter. Please keep the conversation on topic and civil.
DanielF
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 7:39 a.m.
Laura Bien's your comment is uncalled for. How dare she insult our servicemen and women.The first 2 comments by "InsideTheHall" and "Michelle" are right on the mark. As a former USArmy guy, I will match the $100.00 pledge. Moderators- would you please remove Laura's insulting comment?
Laura Bien
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 7:26 a.m.
"This young man risked his life to protect our country" No offense, but I haven't personally experienced any Afghani who was bent on destroying my (modest) way of life here in the States. "Each and every American needs to adopt a cause related to supporting our Troops" Why? Last I checked, there wasn't a draft. The few folks I know who signed up did so for college benefits, and more power to 'em, but they're just average people trying to move forward like anyone else.
Ace
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 7 a.m.
This story is what true compassion and love for your fellow man is all about. This young man risked his life to protect our country, and the community's response to this need it outstanding! Each and every American needs to adopt a cause related to supporting our Troops or our Veterans to ensure they are taken care of. I have done that - have you?
InsideTheHall
Tue, Sep 29, 2009 : 6:04 a.m.
I'm in for $100 and challenge all on annarbor.com to match that.