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Hundreds gather to pay tribute to Air Force captain
Bruce Matlock
Friends and family gathered Sunday to pay respects to fallen Air Force captain Mark McDowell.
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Published: July 27, 2009
Hundreds of mourners gathered at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday to honor Air Force Capt. Mark Russell McDowell.
The 26-year-old pilot and his weapons officer were killed on July 17 when their plane went down in Afghanistan.
McDowell's classmates at South Iredell High School were among those who filled the church pews for the mid-afternoon memorial service.
"He was the type of friend everyone needs to have," said Walt Hitchcock, who organized the memorial service.
The long-time friends loved playing soccer and golf together, and shared a special bond.
McDowell, he said, had a great sense of humor and "would make you forget all your worries."
The young pilot, who had been married two years and lived in Goldsboro, will be greatly missed beyond words and his legacy lives on in everyone he's ever met, Hitchcock said.
As the mourners made their way to the church grounds, they were met by representatives of the Combat Vets Association, Marine Corps League, Rolling Thunder, and Patriot Guard, who lined the sidewalks.
Once inside the church, they took a yellow rose placed on a table at the entrance, walked down the aisle and placed it on the front pew, where a folded American flag and pictures of McDowell were displayed.
McDowell's smile, big heart, kind spirit and strong Christian faith are among many attributes his friends and family members will miss.
"Mark was a special, wonderful, and talented man and left behind many who loved him," McDowell's mother, Barbara Thomas.
Jeff Cummings, McDowell's soccer coach, was among those who shared his memories of the fallen captain.
He described McDowell as determined, friendly, smart, charming, energetic and fearless.
Cummings highlighted McDowell's maturity, sense of humor and commitment to others.
"He was the perfect teammate and a joy to coach," Cummings said. "He was the type of player coaches wish for."
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