In Memoriam
In memory of the courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
In tribute to those who’s legacy will forever be remembered by the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program.
Corporal Casey Alan Owens
Corporal Owens served as the inspiration for the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program.
Casey Owens was born in 1981 in Houston, Texas. The Texas native was a sophomore at University of Texas when the attacks on 9/11 happened and he dropped out of college to enlist the United States Marine Corps.
Casey served as TOW gunner and Javelin gunner during two deployments to Iraq. He served in the initial invasion of Iraq from March to October 2003. During his second deployment to Iraq in September 2004, he was serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment in Al Anbar Province when he sustained life altering injuries after his unarmored Humvee struck a landmine.
Casey was medevac’d to Kuwait then Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and finally to Walter Reed Medical Center in October 2004. Unfortunately, Casey sustained complications which forced the amputation of both his legs. He also suffered from a traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
During his time at Walter Reed, Casey was visited by President George W. Bush and would later go on to attend President Bush’s second inauguration in January of 2005. It was through his inauguration attendance that Casey came to know then Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood who would become a mentor to Casey. This relationship led to Casey becoming the inspiration for the establishment of the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program (formerly known as the House Wounded Warrior Program) in 2008.
Despite his injuries, Casey joined the Challenge Aspen program where he learned to ski and subsequently join the U.S. Paralympics ski team where he excelled at mono skiing. Later, Casey went on to complete three Marine Corps’ marathons in the hand crank bike division.
Casey was honorably discharged from the Marines in February 2006. During the subsequent years, Casey advocated for his fellow veterans, including testifying before Congress regarding the need for improved treatment and care for Veterans returning from war. He also served on Houston Mayor Bill White’s Veterans Task Force which was established to address the needs of Houston’s veterans, both young and old, when it came to housing, health and mental care, job training, and other issues.
On October 15, 2014, Casey succumbed to the many physical and psychological battles that he fought for so many years.
Casey is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Specialist Alex Bryan Lofgren
Alex was born March 10, 1989 and grew up as an Army brat living in more than five states through his adolescence. Following high school, Alex enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a combat engineer.
In 2011, Alex deployed to Afghanistan where he earned the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Badge among others.
Upon his honorable discharge from active duty, Alex attended Arizona State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following graduation, he served his community as a Veteran Program Specialist with the Crisis Response Network and then as an intern for Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
Alex joined the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program in July of 2019 serving as the Military & Veterans Liaison for the Office of Congressman Raul Grijalva in Tucson, Arizona.
Alex passed away on April 4th, 2021, after suffering a tragic hiking accident in Death Valley National Park. Alex leaves behind a passion for helping veterans and an exceptional example of service to country and community.
On December 27, 2021, the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act was signed into law, recognizing the life of Alex for his love of nature and his lifelong dedication to helping Veterans. This bill makes the America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, without charge, to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star families. The pass covers the entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee for all federal recreational lands and waters.
Alex’s partner pays tribute to his legacy.
Content Warning – Contains Sensitive Topic
Gold Star Family Recognition
In honor of our Gold Star Families, we dedicate this page to the enduring memory of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrfice in service to our nation. Their courage, devotion, and seflessness will never be forgotten.
Sergeant First Class Sean Michael Cooley is a hero who volunteered to put himself in harm’s way in service to our Nation. His ultimate sacrifice served as an inspiration for the creation of the Gold Star Family Fellowship program in the United States House of Representatives.
Sergeant First Class Cooley grew up in Benndale, and graduated from George County high school. SFC Cooley lived in Ocean Springs and served as a combat engineer with Mississippi Army National Guard’s 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, Company B, headquartered in Lucedale, Mississippi.
SFC Cooley deployed to Kalsu, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Attached to the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 150th Engineer Battalion, he served as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B at Dogwood forward operating base. While on movement south of Bagdhad, his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. SFC Cooley was mortally wounded and died on February 3, 2005. He was 35 years old.
Specialist Christopher D. Horton was a valiant warrior and fearless sniper whose selfless dedication to our Nation served as an inspiration for the creation of the Gold Star Family Fellowship program in the United States House of Representatives.
Specialist Horton graduated from the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. He enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2008. While serving his time with the Oklahoma National Guard, he became an infantryman, received his SWAT certification, and became sniper qualified.
Specialist Horton died in Paktia, Afghanistan on September 9, 2011, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked using small arms fire. He was 26 years old. Specialist Horton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Oklahoma National Guard, based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
CPT Todd Roger Bracy, U.S. Air Force
Captain Todd Roger Bracy was a devoted husband, loving father, and accomplished pilot who embodied sincerity, integrity, and a deep love of flight. As a member of the 7th Special Operations Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, Todd forged lasting bonds with airmen of all ranks, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism during Operation Ugly Baby over Iraq.
Known for his mischievous gleam and gentle nature, Todd cherished his family above all. He loved playing guitar and singing to his daughters, taking walks to feed the ducks, and spending quality time together. He was a fan of U2, rock climbing, and mountain biking, Todd lived life with passion and purpose.
Todd tragically died on March 31, 2005, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters. His legacy of honor, bravery, and love lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
SGT Darrin K Potter, U.S. Army National Guard
Sergeant Darrin Potter was assigned to the 223rd Military Police Company, U.S. Army National Guard, Louisville, Kentucky.
On Sept 29, 2003, at the age of 24, he lost his life while serving in Iraq, after a Humvee carrying him and other soldiers was responding to a mortar attack by Iraqi insurgents outside of Baghdad near Abu Ghraib Prison.
When his vehicle rolled into the canal, he made sure his troops made it out of the vehicle to shallow water.
A soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division, Sgt. Andrew Baddick of Jim Thorpe, Pa., died trying to rescue Potter.
I raised a Hero
Never Forget
Say Their Name
SPC Jeilavan Landry, U.S. Army
Specialist Jeilavan Landry was a proud native of Louisiana who served almost 10 years in the Army. He had multiple deployments to include the Middle East. He enjoyed his time in the Army and was very proud to serve.
He is remembered as an amazing father and husband who enjoyed movies, video games, and anything related to family. He had 5 children, one of which passed 9 years before him and 7 grandchildren whom he spoiled every chance he had.