Leonard Mallonee Cowherd III

West Point, 2003

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by LTC Bryan S. Eckstein on July 26, 2004:

It was with shock and disbelief when I read of Leonard's death in the Culpepper Star-Exponent that was e-mailed to me. I'm currently serving in the Headquarters, Multi-National Forces - Iraq located in Baghdad. When I read of casualties here, it is very impersonal, just numbers, and very seldom do we see the names. So it became very personal when I read Leonard's name. As the local USMA admissions rep, I came to know Leonard when he applied for admission to West Point, and later when he performed school visits for the Cadet Public Relations Council. While this program afforded Leonard a few extra days home around Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks, it was a valuable service and contribution for me and the aspiring candidates. Time passed quickly as Leonard matured from Cadet to Second Lieutenant: a boy to man, cadet to soldier, and son to husband. Surely Leonard will be missed by many that he touched in his all together short life. He accomplished more in his 22 years, than most ever will over a much longer lifetime. It was only proper for the state to fly the Commonwealth flag at half mast leading up to Memorial Day. To his wife Sarah, and his parents, Mary Ann and Leonard II, my prayers are with you as we all share in your sorrow. To 2LT Leonard Cowherd, "WELL DONE! REST IN PEACE." Bryan S. Eckstein LTC, AV, USAR USMA 1982 Harrisonburg, VA

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