Thursday, July 12, 2007

CPL Kory D Wiens ~ Farewell and Walk with God ~ Cooper, too





CPL Kory D Wiens, 20, of Independence, Oregon and his dog, Cooper, were killed July 6 in Muhammad Sath, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He served with the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Also killed in the attack was PFC Bruce C. Salazar Jr., 24, of Tracy, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

The release from the Oregon National Guard:

Kory was born September 6, 1986 in Albany, Oregon. He was the middle son of three boys and an older sister. He was named after his grandfather who was a canine handler during the Korean War.

Kory was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Pack 38 in Independence, Oregon. He was a wrestler and quarterback of the football team at West Albany High School, where he graduated in 2005.

The Wiens family said Kory was liked by many people and was an easy going kid. As a hobby, Kory liked to customize his vehicles, spending lots of time with all the details. Kory was a good story teller and had a wonderful imagination.

Kory enlisted into the Army to gain experience for pursuing a career in law enforcement. He attended canine school at the 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his partner and friend, a yellow Labrador Retriever named Cooper. Cooper was a specialized search dog trained to find firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Kory and Cooper shared a special bond, spending most of their time together. Kory often referred to Cooper as his "son". The two were featured in many news articles.

Kory and Cooper were assigned to the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The two deployed to Iraq together in January. Their abilities to detect TNT, C-4, detonation cords, smokeless powder and mortars saved countless lives by taking explosives and other IED manufacturing materials off the streets of Iraq. Kory and Cooper died alongside each other while performing a search patrol on July 6.

He is survived by his father, Kevin; mother, Judith (also known as Laura); brothers, Kevin and Kyle; sister, Lindsay; and grandmother, Patricia McAlister. He had four nieces and nephews, and was a great uncle to his sister's children. Kory's older brother Kevin is currently serving on a second tour in Iraq as a military police officer for the Army.

Kory and his two brothers, Kevin and Kyle, decided to get tattoos on their upper left shoulders that said "Brotherhood of Wiens" in Korean and the names of their brothers. Kyle was too young at the time to get his tattoo, but plans to have his done as soon as he can.

Kevin Wiens, who is also serving in Iraq, is escorting his brother's body back to Oregon, along with Cooper's.

From Kory's My Space Page: http://www.myspace.com/Kory_K9

"My name is Kory Wiens, I like to work on trucks and cars. Im from Albany Oregon. I live in Missouri because Im in the Army. Stuck in Fort Leonard Wood with nothing to do. I love my dog that I have here, he is the best thing in Ft.Leonard Wood. My job is to play with him all day! The other good thing about this place is that I can go 4x4 when ever I want! Well not in FLW anymore!!! Now Im in Iraq!!!!! Having alot of fun, hard to belive huh? Well I have Cooper with me so everything is alright. Hopefully I will be In Oregon in September! Well if you want to know anything about me then just message me."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wiens family and all of Kory's friends at this difficult time.

Funeral Information for Kory Wiens and Cooper:
Monday, July 16 -
Army Corporal Kory Wiens will arrive at Corvallis Municipal Airport on Monday, July 16 at about 11:15 a.m. A procession will follow to Dallas Mortuary Chapel, 287 SW Washington St. Dallas, Ore.

The public is welcome to attend the arrival and participate in the procession. Those who wish to participate should arrive one hour prior, in the event that the flight arrives ahead of schedule.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be in attendance, as well as many dog handlers and dogs.
Wednesday, July 18-
Dallas Tribute Center at 9:00 am - Patriot Guard Riders will have the Missing Man escort to the Church for a service at 10:00 am and then to the Cemetery for final Service.
Faith Evangelical Free Church -2290 E. Ellendale Ave, Dallas, OR. 97338
Salt Creek Cemetery - 15080 Salt Creek Road,Dallas, OR. 97338

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Please except my Heartfelt Deepest Sympathy for the Wiens Family,Friends and fellow Brothers In Arms.My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this tragic time.I can't even imagine how hard it is for his Dear Brother to have to come home with his beloved Brother this way...May Gods Strength bring you through this.
I am lost for words
God Speed dear Hero
Sincerely
Cathy
Massachusetts Soldiers Angel

Anonymous said...

From our family to yours..We would like to thank everyone SOOO much for the outpouring support for someone you may or may not have known. This makes me entirely proud to be his niece and his family!! Thank you to everyone who came out today to honor our fallen HEROS Cpl. Kory D. Wiens and Sgt. Cooper. To those of you who stood along the streets and saluted and held flags people like you are much appreciated!! To all our service men, women and canines who came out to honor these brave souls we thank you as well!! To our Governor, thank u SOO much for attending our beloved Kory and Cooper's services today!! We love all of you and appreciate everyone's ongoing support!!!

WE LOVE YOU & MISS YOU...R.I.P:

Uncle, Cpl. Kory D. Wiens
09-06-86 ~ 07-06-07 (20 years old)

AND

His Beloved Son & Canine Companion Sgt. Cooper Wiens
07-25-04 ~ 07-06-07 (almost 3 years old)

Flag Gazer said...

Maria~
Thank you for stopping by.
Our admiration for the service of Kory and Cooper is beyond measure, as is our grief for their loss. We will ever remember their sacrifice for us (and yours).
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family now.

Anonymous said...

Kevin, Judith, Kevin Jr, Kyle, Lindsey & Friends,

My deapest heart felt sympathy goes to all of you. May God give you the strength to get through this rough time.

I remember Kory was always kind, happy, skinny (no matter how much my mother would feed him), caring person. And boy, did he love those computer and tv games! I remember him saying he wanted to go into Law Enforcement. His heart was slow to judge and quick to help others. I would even forgive him when he plotted to torment me with fake spiders...Kory was an awesome person, and a friend to all. It seemed he was doing something every day at our house, and it was always fun to have him around. May we all cherish our memories with Kory, and keep him close to home with us. May God be with the Wiens family and help give them strength during this rough time. We are there for you.

-DD

Anonymous said...

So very sorry,

Joann (Wiens) Landers