In Memory of SSG Elizabeth “Liz” Cowie
A Legacy of Leadership, Courage, and Unwavering Dedication
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved SSG Elizabeth “Liz” “Sarge” Cowie, who left us after a fierce, two-year battle with cancer. Liz was a true inspiration, a pillar of Operation Gratitude, and a beloved friend who fought courageously with grace, a smile, and a positivity that touched everyone around her. Her life and legacy will continue to guide us and inspire us.
“Elizabeth Cowie was truly a force of nature. Were it not for her, Operation Gratitude would never have gotten off the ground. She welcomed us into the armory for our first Assembly event, ensuring we had a place to call home. Liz taught me everything I know about the military, and she always believed ‘no is not an option.’ That became our winning strategy. I am eternally grateful for her leadership, guidance and friendship.”
— Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude
"No is Not an Option" – Liz’s Courage in the Face of Adversity
Liz’s dedication to her military family was unparalleled. In 2007, during pre-deployment training, Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she was determined to continue with her unit and underwent treatment that allowed her to deploy shortly afterward. Her commitment was clear when she expressed, “I was really committed to my deployment being so far into the training. It was not an option for me personally to back out and say, ‘Hey, I have to go home.’ I made a commitment to these troops and to this unit to see this through as long as the military would let me.” Liz’s resilience and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us all at Operation Gratitude.
Kelly shared that even during her eighth round of chemotherapy, Liz found comfort and joy in reading letters from those whose lives she’d touched. Despite the challenges, she always took the time to respond with warmth and gratitude.
A Tribute in Verse: Remembering SSG Elizabeth Cowie
Among those Liz inspired was Sean Coulter, one of Operation Gratitude’s original volunteers, who penned the following poem in her honor. His words capture Liz’s unique ability to lead, to inspire, and to forge bonds that will forever connect those who served alongside her.
Finding out, the day before Veteran’s Day,
that a Soldier that I’ve always admired,
is gone. Slipped those bonds of mortal coil…
Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Cowie…
She did her tours… Three I think.
Led her people with grace and courage!
Was a foundation stone of Operation Gratitude!
Not the largest, strongest or loudest Soldier present.
But One hundred percent! All in! All the time!
Certainly Carolyn Blashek was our General!
But Elizabeth Cowie led us in our endless tasks.
From box building, to working the line.
Elizabeth knew when to take that extra moment…
Look you in the eye… Light that fire in your heart!
And as she gave herself, get the best out of all of us!
I would do anything Carolyn ever asked of me!
But I would have followed Staff Sergeant Cowie
down into Hell, if she’d said that was our mission.
A friend… A leader… An inspiration! A great loss.
Today my heart is broken! Thank a Veteran,
today and every day! Tomorrow is never promised.
A Legacy of Gratitude
Quotes from Operation Gratitude Staff and Volunteers
Messages from Recipients:
Previous
Next
In Liz’s Words
To understand Liz’s unwavering commitment to Operation Gratitude and the values she cherished, we’re honored to share her own words from a blog post she wrote in 2010. In this post, Liz expressed her gratitude for the Operation Gratitude community and the mission she held so close to her heart.
“What amazes me every time is the unity we share as Americans supporting our troops. In these moments, with each letter written, each package packed, and each smile exchanged, we are bonded by a common goal—to show our heroes they are valued and never alone.”
“Every package is a symbol of appreciation, a token of love and respect. Each one tells our troops, ‘We see you. We thank you.’ That’s why I do what I do, and that’s why I am forever grateful to be a part of something so meaningful.”
A Legacy Captured on Film: Video Tribute by Bernard “Camera Guy” Falkin
In addition to these written tributes, we are honored to share a video tribute created by Bernard Falkin, affectionately known as “Camera Guy” among the Operation Gratitude family. This video captures Liz’s journey and celebrates the powerful legacy she left behind.
Bernard’s tribute is a moving visual celebration of Liz’s spirit, joy, and impact. We hope it brings comfort and inspiration to all who view it, serving as a beautiful reminder of her life and legacy.
Remembering Liz: A Life of Purpose and Passion
Elizabeth Cowie was more than a leader—she was a friend, a motivator, and a warrior. Her legacy will live on in every package, in every story, and in every life she touched. As Kelly poignantly noted, “The path you now walk is because of Elizabeth Cowie.” Her spirit continues to inspire us all at Operation Gratitude.
If you have stories, photos, or memories of Liz that you would like to share, please send them to us. These tributes will be part of a permanent memorial celebrating the life and legacy of this remarkable woman.
Much love,
Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude
