Great Guy  / Becky Johnson (classmate/friend)
TIm was a man in every form.  He fought for what he believed in and took on the pride of protected America....it's too bad america didn't help to protect him....He will forever be cherished in my heart with his genuine grin and the laughs he could give.  Tim was a one of a kind in every sense and I feel so blessed to have known him inside and outside of school....He surely has the brightest star in the sky! Close

So Sad  / Denny Murray
Mike,  Only knowing you and your family so far online, I am so saddened by your horrific lose. To have lost a young man so full of promise is so terrible. I can't really say I feel your pain as I have never had to live through this. I do however feel your sadness for this is something that effects everyone that has even the slightest bit of a heart.Know this that all the Bowman's hold a very special place in my heart. But you, your wife and daughter are at the top. God Bless you all and keep you good health. Close

recent military widow  / Jeannie Manley (n/a)
manley.gary@yahoo.com    Close

recent Military widow, please contact  / Jeannie Manley (military widow )
My name is Jeannie Manley. I am so sorry for your loss and I feel your pain. I recently lost my husband to suicide on October 22, 2007. He served as a Marine Squad leader in Semolia. If you wouldn't mind, would you please contact me. My e-mail address is above.  
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A friend I never met  / Katie Sweeney
Dear Mike,

Not sure how I exactly found this site - but, has been the case at this time of year, I think of Tim.  While we never met - I felt like I knew you and Tim thru your email and pictures.  I can't remember how many packages or how many mailing labels I wrote that were sent to Tim - a Lot!   Each package carefully wrapped by so many from the Village of Glencoe.  Each package sent to Tim - we were so happy to do this small thing for all of them.

I can honestly say that one of THE BEST events in my life was going to Galva - in a squad car - in the parade - welcoming them home.  One of the worst was going to Dixon - in a squad car - attending the funeral of a brave man.

I still have the pictures you sent me on my computer at work - I look at them often....those pictures can not be erased - just like I can never forget a brave man - a friend - that I never met.

God Bless....

Katie Sweeney
Glencoe Public Safety Close

in my prayers  / Anna P. (camp friend )
to Mike, Kim and Michelle;
You guys are forever in my prayers! I want you to know I am thinking of you. I love you guys and you mean a lot to me. I am here. You have been there for me. Friends need each other from time to time.
Love ya!
Anna Close

Michelle and family  / Maggie Beinecke (Shell's friend )
Bowmans - 

  I've been so incredibly blessed to have you as friends and I only wish I could lessen your pain. Your daughter is so fantastic and I'm so lucky to call her my friend. She does so much for me and I'm so grateful for her support and understanding. I wish I could have known your son, he's an amazing man.  Through these hard times I offer you my friendship, my shoulder to cry on, my support for the cause (go team timmy), my love (including hugs), and all my waking hours for talking, listening and understanding. Though I didn't know your son while he was alive I know he lives on in your memories, your love and your heart. I offer Tim this prayer and know that no parent should ever have to bury their child. May God look down your family and keep you safe.  All my love - Maggie



May you always walk in sunshine and God's love around you flow, for the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know, it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

A million times we've needed you.

A million times we've cried.

If love could only have saved you.

You never would have died.

The Lord be with you

And May You Rest in Peace. 
 

Tim - Watch over your family and keep them safe. May you be at peace now and may your demons be at rest. I promise to keep Shell safe as I love her like my own sister. Thank you for lending her to me. May we someday meet...
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You are not alone......  / Brenda Meyers (PGR member )
Although we did not know Tim or his family at the time of his passing he has been in our hearts since we joined the PGR. Each mission that we attend is done in honor of our newest fallen hero and their family but also in memory of Tim and our daughter Jennifer. 

Losing our children was not the correct order of events but somehow GOD needed them more than we did. Often times I think that Jennifer is in  heaven assisting our heros as they enter. I'm sure that Jen and Tim have met and are probably working side by side . I think we can be certain they are watching us as well.

To the Bowman family, please know that you do not walk alone, we stand beside you now and always.     Close

.... / Lara Feary (Forever Friend )
Not a day goes by that you aren't in my heart or mind!  We'll always have those great times!

Love,
Lara Close

To Tim's Family  / Dana Hardy (Friend to Soldiers )
Mike and Family,

The trauma that you and your family has been through can be strength building or take you down.  It is a hard road but with belief that Tim is okay now, knowing that he wants you all to carry on the flag for his brothers and sisters whom are active duty and veterans.  

Let Love of yourself, your family, and all of those that surround you, including those that visit this website, plus his memorial that you put up...let ALL that Love be given out so that it returns ten fold!

Love, Light, and Peace for all,
Dana Close

For Tim our Hero  / Susan Coats (Just someone who cares )
I am sorry for the pain Tim was in but know that he is at peace. I lost my only son the same way after returning home from Afghanistan.  I want to thank all the family for your son's service to our country and know that you are not alone in your grief.  We will always remember the dedicated young men and women that gave the ultimate for us all.   Together we will fight the battles of PTSD and will succeed.  God bless you all and my prayers and love will always be with you. Close

Tim's monument  / Randy Omvig (Freind of family )

I was looking again today at the pictures of Tim's monument so beautiful and amazing.  What a wonderful tribute to Tim's life! Here are 2 poems that touch me very deeply when I read them and think of Tim and Josh.


The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Author Unknown

Come With Me
God saw that you were suffering
and a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
and whispered, "Come with me".
Through tear filled eyes
we watched you suffer
and slowly fade away.
Although we loved you deeply,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands were put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

God bless you Tim and your wonderful family.

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Always in our thoughts and prayers  / Emily Piper (Friend)
Dear Mike, Kim and Michelle, 
As I always try to tell you, your in our thoughts and prayers. Tim is missed so much everyday, I think about all the good times we had while they were gone, and hope the closeness never ends. You guys are the strongest people I know and your doing great. With all my heart I love you guys, and pray for you everyday. Love Em Close

Bond / Erica Brokaw (Fellow soldier's wife/friend )
Mike, Kim and Michelle, My wish for you is that each day gets a little bit easier, you find a little more comfort, you find a little more peace, you see a little more light. For all we went through while they were in Iraq, our bond, like theirs, is never ending. Our fight, like theirs, is always constant. I think the shock of this reality will always be there, but so am I, so are all of us. Please remember how much you all mean to me and how much I love you, always. Close

I am so sorry for the loss of your Tim  / Ellen Joshua's Mother (family friend )
I feel the pain that never goes away.  The heartbreak that lasts eternally.  It is that which cannot be put into words.  It is only the knowing of one to another who walks through the same dark valley.  The waiting for his familiar voice that never calls.  The "hi, Mom" that never rings out as he comes through the door.  It is a loss too great to be asked to bear.  Never to hear his "I love you" again.  I am greedy.  I wanted more.  May our boys have peace. Close