Murfreesboro Post -- Army Spc. Corey Kowall, 20, of Murfreesboro, has died in a vehicle crash in Afghanistan. He graduated from Siegel High School in 2007.

His grandfather served in the Navy, his great-grandfather served in World War II, and his great-great-grandfather was in World War I. Corey was active in the Murfreesboro Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and the Raider program, a physical fitness team that competes against other high school JROTC programs.

He enlisted in the Army right after graduating and was in the Alpha Company, Second Battalion, 508th parachute infantry regiment in the fourth brigade combat team of the 82nd Airborne division of the U.S. Army, based at Fort Bragg, NC.

Kowall joined the Army in June 2007.

"Spc. Kowall was an extremely competent soldier and an extraordinary individual. His death leaves a tear in our formation and in our hearts," said Kowall's company commander, Capt. Paul W. Pena, in a statement. "Though sorely missed, Corey will continue to be a source of inspiration and strength throughout Alpha Company."

Kowall's awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghan Campaign Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Expert Infantry Badge and the Parachutists Badge.

The unit deployed to Afghanistan in July 2009. Corey was responding to a call to assist a convoy that had encountered an IED (improvised explosive device), when his vehicle overturned and he was killed in the accident.

Among Corey's family are his father, C.J. Kowall and his two sisters.

Spc. Damon G. Winkleman, 23, of Lakeville, Ohio, also died in the crash.