On a parched, rocky bit of land, thick with lizards, scorpions and supposedly, jackals and mountain lions, north of Asabad in Kunar province on the Pech River Road, is where Whitworth graduate Forrest P. Ewens spent the end of his life.
Soldiers in this area had to strictly ration food, and go on night watches to ensure that rebels were not planting explosive devices during the night. It was an exhausting, and taxing job, but their efforts have made the road a much safer place.
Ewens graduated from Whitworth College in 2004 and died in service to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan on June 16, 2006 when their all-terrain vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.
Megan, his wife, whom he met through Whitworth-Gonzaga R.O.T.C., lost the love of her life that day. Carol, his mother, lost her beloved son. Oaken, Eli and Stephen lost their dear brother. Not only did this entire family make a great sacrifice in the loss of their Forrest, they continue to feel this sacrifice.
"I miss Forrest terribly and that will never go away. As a twin I had spent the first twenty-five years of my life as a “we.” It is a hard concept to understand unless you yourself are a twin,” said his twin brother Oaken.
Many people say Ewens was good at his job, leading with intelligence, quiet confidence and patience. He served as a first Lieutenant in the Army, first Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, third Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
Forrest loved history and sports. His enthusiasm was seen and appreciated in and outside of the classroom.
“He was such a vibrant person, just to see him, experience his smile, not every student has that impact, but Forrest was one of those people,” said Dale Soden, Whitworth history professor.
For their first two years at Whitworth, twin brothers Oaken and Forrest were making memories together.
“I remember playing pranks at Whitworth and getting the security guard to chase us around on his bike. I still have some of that on video. Forrest built a sofa out of phone-books we stole, and even had a terraced pond inside his dorm room with a working pump and live goldfish,” said Oaken.
The army recognized his efforts by awarding him a Bronze Star, which is given for bravery and acts of merit. The bronze star is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award.
On account of his sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart award as well. The Purple Heart is a military decoration given in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.
On the online guest book that is set up in his name, many people declare the impact that he has had on their lives.
One former Whitworth student keeps his legacy alive in the classroom.
“I think of Forrest often and I miss him. He was a great friend to me and had such an amazing mix of fun and crazy, but also serious and thoughtful. I teach high school students and I always tell them about Forrest,” said Sarah Fox, a friend and teammate from Whitworth, on Forrest’s online guestbook.
His story is told by those with whom he has served.
“I share his story with all the new privates. A story of a real hero,” said Clint Brubeck of Fort Benning, Georgia.
His successor, 1 Lt. Tim Lo, described by saying, “He spoke softly, but he could walk the walk.”
His memory is also alive in connections that have emerge on account of his death.
“With a ten dollar donation to the Memorial, we each received an MIA/POW bracelet and a dog tag with a Fallen Soldier’s name. And I received [Forrest’s] tag, "said It reads ‘Enduring Free, Ewen Forrest Pinkerton, 1Lt.” said someone who did not know the Ewen’s family.
Following this comment, this person offered to display this token in her car or cubicle at work to honor his memory.
His mother also writes on the guestbook as a place to express their love to their son who is no longer present to receive their love in person.
“My beautiful boy, how we miss you! Two years ago today, you left us behind to join your Father in Heaven. Are you singing your songs, laughing with joy, running your races, praying for us left behind?”
On his grave stone is inscribed Joshua 1:9, which reads:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The appropriate response to this call was lived out by Ewens and ought to remain on our minds as part of his legacy.
As its gift to Whitworth, the Class of '08 voted to build a veterans' memorial in recognition of Whitworth alumni who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Here Ewens, among other Whitworth veterans who gave their life for this cause. This ought to serve as a reminder for us whenever we see it at what has been sacrificed.
Currently, all three of Forrest’s brothers are in Afghanistan. Let us remember the sacrifice they have made—and continue to make—by keeping them in our prayers.
Contact Jacquelyn Wheeler at jacquelyn.wheeler@whitworthian.com.
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