COLGAN, BENJAMIN

Benjamin L. Colgan was born on February 7, 1973 in Seattle Washington and was the fourth of eight children. He attended and graduated from Mount Rainier High School in 1991. As a boy, Benjamin L. Colgan marched with his parents in peace rallies. Joseph and Pat Colgan, whose activism dates from the Vietnam War, were surprised when their son enlisted in the Army but continued to support him, even as they opposed the war in Iraq.  

Benjamin is remembered by his family as the man they call a "magnet." They recalled the times he would ride bulls in Toppenish just for the fun of it. And the time he and a cousin lip-synched Alabama's "Dixieland Delight" at a family reunion, pantomiming as if they were a couple driving down the highway. "You just don't meet a lot of people like Ben," said his sister Gina Johnson. "Everybody loved him. You couldn't help but love him." 

Benjamin was unsure about what to do with his life when he graduated from Mount Rainier High School, so he opted to enlisted in the Army as a way to pay for college. He left to attend officer candidate school, was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in Germany after graduation and hoped to return to Delta Force after earning his captain’s bars, his father said. 

1LT Colgan’s commanding officer described him as "absolutely fearless" and "the bravest, most decent and selfless man" he's ever known.  He spent 12 years climbing the ranks of the Army, eventually gaining entry into the army's elite Special Operations Group. In March of 2002, 1LT Colgan was an honor graduate of Officers Candidate School. He graduated with honors from the Chemical Officer Course in November 2002. He filled the Chemical Officer slot in Giessen, Germany in January 2003.  

As U.S. military units moved from Kuwait into Iraq, Colgan stepped forward again. "Ben approached us and said please don't leave me in the TOC (headquarters), use my Special Operations skills," recalled his battalion commander, Lt. Colonel William S. Rabena during the eulogy he gave in Baghdad, Iraq November 5th. 

In 1995 while stationed in North Carolina, 1LT Colgan went on a short trip to New York City, where he met a Wall Street worker in a bar. As soon as he and Jill began talking, they knew they had met their partners for life, and got married in 1997. Ben and Jill had two daughters  Grace, and Paige, and a third that was due prior to his death. 

1LT Colgan was a devoted husband and father, a loving son and brother, a world-class soldier and a friend to all. Those who knew him could attest to his generous spirit and ever-present smile, a smile that would on occasion turn into a mischievous grin.  

Benjamin received a promotion to 1LT posthumously.  

Remembrances may be remitted to the Benjamin Colgan Memorial Fund at any Washington Mutual Bank branch. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers 1LT Benjamin Colgan for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.