Owens, Brandon Andre

Brandon Andre Owens was a 21-year-old soldier from Memphis, Tennessee. He served as a Specialist with the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion (Airborne), part of the 16th Military Police Brigade based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His unit had previously deployed to locations including the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.

Owens was killed on October 2, 2009, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Afghanistan's Logar Province. According to the Department of Defense, he died of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire while on guard duty. The base, a major logistics hub for U.S. and coalition forces in the volatile region southeast of Kabul, was a frequent target for insurgent attacks.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By late 2009, the conflict was intensifying, with a surge of U.S. forces underway and insurgent forces mounting significant attacks against coalition outposts and personnel across the country.

Owens's body was returned to the United States, and he was buried in Memphis. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported on his funeral, noting his family's grief and his posthumous receipt of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals. His unit also honored his service in subsequent memorials.

He is remembered on memorial walls at Fort Bragg and is listed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the University of Tennessee, Martin. His name is also inscribed on the Memphis-Shelby County Veterans Plaza.

Brandon Andre Owens 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.

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