This Military Service Page was created/owned by
MAJ John Moore (SaberAlpha 10)
to remember
McGowan, Robert (Saber 6), COL.
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Contact Info
Home Town Trenton, New Jersey
Last Address Jackson Mississippi
Date of Passing Feb 01, 2001
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
From 3/4 Cavalry Association March 2001 Newsletter
WE LOST A SOLDIER TODAY!
We lost a soldier today. COL (Ret) Robert S. McGowan. Former Squadron Commander, November 1968 to August 1969. Even though some of you did not serve with COL "Mac" when he commanded the 3/4 CAV, he felt a bond with all former troopers, no matter when they served. COL "Mac" was loyal to the 3/4 CAV Chapter too. Always attending our reunions. He and his wife Deirdre hosted our reunion in Vicksburg, MS in 1996. At times he was our speaker. He spoke at our first informal gathering at Fort Knox, KY in 1970 when many of us were stationed there and others made the trip just to see him again. He spoke at our last reunion in June 2000 in Lexington, KY. He was always teaching us. Giving us messages that would help us or help us to help others. COL "Mac" graduated from West Point. The motto for West Point is DUTY, HONOR, and COUNTRY. For him, these were not simply words but a way of life. He tried, everyday, in some way, to live by these words. General Robert E. Lee said, "Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Nothing is higher. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less." COL "Mac" did his duty, as he saw it. Even after retiring from the Army with more than 31 years of service, he continued to do his duty. Sometimes, the causes he fought for were not the most popular. An editorial in the Courier-Journal of Jackson, MS read that "COL McGowan�??s military career is legendary But his most courageous battle may have been here in Jackson as the first director, fundraiser and only full-time employee of Grace House, a home for HIV-positive people. Defining his ministry, his most daunting task was to communicate that AIDS does not discriminate. So, why should people discriminate against people with AIDS?" COL "Mac" had a profound impact on my life. He exemplified all the traits that I expected of an officer. He was the benchmark that I measured all others. For those who served with him, his courage was unquestionable. Few only knew of his compassion. We lost a great soldier today. We last a great man. We lost a great friend. - Editor