Kyzyl Bowden

Kyzyl Bowden, of Nacogdoches, TX, gave his life for the sake of freedom on July 16, 2025 in Ukraine at the age of 22. He was born on November 24, 2002, in Fort Worth, TX to Suzanne Chunn and Benjamin Bowden.

Kyzyl is the oldest child in a loving family with four younger siblings who were dear to him. In his youth, Kyzyl was known for his dedication to his family, his faithfulness as a son, brother and friend, and his love of nature. He was born in Texas, then raised in an Alaskan Village on the banks of the Yukon River from the age of 6 months until he was in grade school. Since modes of transportation were dog sleds and river boats, he naturally loved the woods and blazing trails on foot.

After moving back to Texas, Kyzyl proved to be incredibly intelligent and well rounded. He was on the Cross country team for 5 years from Grade 7 through 12. Eventually putting in 1000 mile summers. Alongside his mom, he ran several all-trail marathons, including Colorado's Pikes Peak Ultra Marathon at the age of 16, taking first place in his division. He enjoyed being on his High School Speech and Debate Team, forged lifelong friendships with his teammates and coaches, even competing in mock Congresses in Austin, Texas. Kyzyl excelled in Science and Math, and went on to tutor all of his 4 younger siblings. He loved to build bonfires, go camping, and play cards with his many siblings and cousins, always showing up to family gatherings with a smile on his face and a story to tell. When he graduated high school, he could have done anything he set his mind to, but with a heart of service, his dream was to join the US Army with a path to Special Forces Medic. His Army competence (GT) score was one of the highest on record, and so at 18 years old, he signed a contract as an infantryman with the intent of becoming a medic once he had Special Forces training and Selection. In 2021, COVID and quarantines shuffled the deck for him, and he was never sent to the unit he had signed up for. Kyzyl made the best of it, and became highly dedicated to the unit of assignment. He was skilled in land navigation and was known for always carrying extra cord, firestarter and hammocks. His perseverance led him to wake up at 4am every morning to run and train, and still leave time for his studies in electrical engineering at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Specialist Kyzyl Bowden was a proud Texan and dedicated servicemember who embodied courage, conviction, and compassion. Serving in the U.S. National Guard, he rose to the rank of Specialist, where he distinguished himself with skill, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty to others.

Driven by a deep belief in freedom and the defense of democratic values, Kyzyl made the selfless decision to volunteer in Ukraine during a time of immense conflict. Bringing with him the training and experience forged in the U.S. military, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those fighting for their homeland, lending not only his expertise, but his heart.

At the age of 22, Kyzyl Bowden paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of justice and liberty far from home. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the bravery required to act on one’s principles, no matter the distance or danger. He is honored not only as a soldier, but as a global citizen who chose to stand up when it mattered most.

We thank Specialist Bowden for his service, his sacrifice, and his unwavering commitment to a cause greater than himself.

Kyzyl is survived by his loving mother, Suzanne Chunn; father, Benjamin Bowden; his siblings, Agafia, Bronson, Gretchen, and Ember; his grandparents, Wayman Chunn and Linda Chunn; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. Kyzyl will always be in our hearts; he will not be forgotten.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13