Owen, Kirk Avery

Kirk Avery Owen was a 37-year-old Staff Sergeant from Sapulpa, Oklahoma, serving with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Oklahoma City.

On August 2, 2011, Owen was killed in the Lajah D. area of Paktia Province, a volatile region in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistani border. According to the Department of Defense, his death was the result of enemy small arms fire during a dismounted patrol.

Owen's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2011, the conflict was in its tenth year, characterized by a surge and subsequent drawdown of U.S. forces and sustained insurgent activity, particularly in the country's eastern provinces.

His death was reported by national and local news outlets. The Oklahoma National Guard confirmed the loss, and his body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held in his honor in Oklahoma.

Staff Sergeant Owen was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated soldier. His name is inscribed on the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial.

Staff Sergeant Kirk Avery Owen was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

← Return to the full memorial | Add a memorial record