Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Bowden, 28, of Villa Rica, Ga., died Aug. 31, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 242nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), Fort Carson, Colo. Josh was born August 9, 1985 in Lithia Springs, GA, Josh graduated in 2003 from Alexander High School. During his high school career, he excelled in soccer, making the Varsity team his freshman year, Offensive MVP and Coach's Award recipient his Sophomore year, and was the Team Captain his Junior and Senior year. In addition, during his Senior year, he had 202 saves, 10 shutouts, 6 assists from Goalkeeper's position, only allowing 1.52 goals per game. In addition, he also made the Sentinel's All-County Boys Soccer Team, and was named Douglas County's Player of the Year in 2003. His love for soccer began at age 10, when he became a member of the DC Force 86, finishing 9 years later as a U19 GA Junior A2 undefeated division Champions. He earned two black belts in Karate and was a Junior Olympic Champion, plus a National and International Champion. Josh joined the United States Army in 2005, and was currently on his second deployment to Afghanistan, having been previously deployed in 2008. His most recent assignment was at the 71st Ordnance Group (EOD), 242nd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), 748th Ordnance Company (EOD), at Fort Carson, Colorado. His awards included the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Purple Heart, Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He is survived by his wife, April Bowden; son, Kaden Bowden; parents, Ray and Yolanda Bowden; sister, Shanda Duggar and husband Donny; brother, Dugger Camp and wife Cassie; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Sara Bowden; maternal grandparents, Morgan and Betty Williams; aunt, LaQuetta Buchanan; uncle, Chad Ponder and wife Zeta; cousins, Eric Bowden and Jake Bowden. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be Monday, September 9, 2013 at 1:30 PM at Central Baptist Church. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organization: The EOD Warrior Foundation, 33735 Snickersville Turnpike, Suite 201 Bluemont, VA 20135, or www.eodwarriorfoundation.org. Express condolences or share a special memory online at www.whitleygarner.com Arrangements by: Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, Douglasville, GA 30134, 770-942-4246. Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on September 8, 2013. Obituary information provided by Whitley-Garner Funeral Home.