Alun Howells Obituary (1987 - 2007)

SPC ALUN RICHARD HOWELLS Alun Howells was born into a military family on January 15, 1987 at the British Military Hospital in Rinteln, Germany. His father grew up in Porthmadog, Wales and his mother grew up in Hays, Kansas. In a very short period, Alun moved all over the world and spent time in Germany, Brunei, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. When his father, Gwyn, retired from the military, the family moved to live in Gunnison, Colorado. While in Gunnison, Alun was able to take full advantage of the outdoor experiences that were on offer. He enjoyed fly-fishing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snow boarding. He participated in 4-H when he was younger. In his sophomore year, he entered the Gunnison Valley School, which emphasized experiential education. While at the school he blossomed and was thought to be an extraordinary student by the teaching staff. As time progressed, he became a committed student leader and a tremendous advocate for the students who came to the school. Having completed his high school education early in December 2004, he moved to Menomonie where his family had relocated. Alun began his military career in January 2006 at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and, having completed his training in May 2006, he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA where he was welcomed into Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment. He left Fort Stewart for Iraq in May 2007 and was killed in action in Baghdad on August 13, 2007 at the age of twenty. He became a SPC posthumously and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. SPC Alun Howells is going to be greatly missed by family and friends. He touched so many lives in the short time he was with us. He is survived by his parents, Gwyn and Jaena Howells, two brothers, Dafydd and Paul Howells, and a sister, Sian Howells. There will be a celebration of Alun's life at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with full military rites. Family and friends may call one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of donor's choice, or to a fund set up in Alun's name at Bremer Bank in Menomonie that will go towards The Center for the Intrepid at the Recovery Center for Injured Soldiers and Their Families at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. "I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; Send Me." Isaiah 6:8 To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com