“You always knew that Steve wasn’t thinking about five years ago or five years ahead. When he was in a room with you, you always knew he was right there with you.” — Neal Collins, friend Kowalczyk, 32, formerly of Salt Lake City, was shot by a sniper while on patrol with his unit. The Army specialist was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas.