Warner Robins Soldier Dies in Afghanistan Attack

Army Specialist Mark Downer of Warner Robins died August 5, after his unit was attacked by enemy forces.

Downer and his unit were in the Kandahar Province when insurgents attacked them with a rocket propelled grenade.

Downer was a combat medic with the first Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Drum, New York.

Downer’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Medic Badge.

Downer was 23 years old, and is survived by a child, and his mother and father. He joined the Army in December of 2009, and was deployed with his unit in March of 2011.·