Private First Class Derek James Plowman is remembered by those who knew him best as a compassionate soul, who was always quick to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. Having grown up in a large family that was often filled with laughter, he quickly became the life of every party, developing a special gift for being at ease in large groups and brightening the spirits of the people he came in contact with. Shortly after moving to Northwest Arkansas from Florida in 2004, Pfc.

Plowman graduated from Valley Springs High School. Hoping to study psychology some day, he enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard for an opportunity to earn money towards his college education. It was also an opportunity for him to serve his country, a decision that personified the selfless attitude of this young man. In the Guard, Pfc. Plowman was a cook assigned to the 142nd Brigade, a Brigade comprised of citizen soldiers from North and Northwest Arkansas. Upon returning home from basic training, he was informed by one of his superior officers that he would soon be mobilized for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. With courage and reassurance, he looked his Sergeant in the eye and said "That’s OK. I signed on the dotted line and I’ve got a job to do." The 142nd was mobilized for duty in Iraq on December 7, 2005, and was scheduled to return next summer.

Tragically, Pfc. Plowman died from a gunshot wound on July 20 while serving with his brigade in Baghdad. In a memorial service at Valley Springs High School, over 200 mourners gathered to pay their respects for this fallen soldier and to comfort his family. He was later laid to rest at Western Grove Cemetery in Harrison, Arkansas.

The loss of this special young man is a sobering reminder of the tragic human cost of war. The loss of any of our brave men and women in uniform is felt by not only their friends and loved ones but also by communities and families across our nation that they fought to defend. Words can not adequately express the sorrow felt in the hearts of the family and loved ones of Derek Plowman, but I pray they can find solace in the courageous way he lived his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his mother and stepfather, Kim and Andrew Campbell, his father, Donald Plowman, his brothers and sisters, and with all those who knew and loved him.