LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Department Commander W. Michael Bowen
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Sullivan County American Legion

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, W. Michael Bowen has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Department
Commander W. Michael Bowen upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Sullivan County American Legion, to be cele-
brated at its Annual Department Officer's Visitation on Sunday, March
11, 2012, at Cracolici's on the Green in Liberty, New York; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Waterloo, New York, Commander W.
Michael Bowen enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967 at the age of
17; he honorably served his country from 1967-1971 in Europe and the
Mediterranean area with the Naval Security Group as a top secret radio-
man intercept operator; and
WHEREAS, Commander W. Michael Bowen is a 43-year life member of
Warner-Van Riper Post 435 in Waterloo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Commander W. Michael Bowen has been called upon to contribute
his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of his community, Commander W.
Michael Bowen was named Humanitarian of the Year for the 7th District
American Legion in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, in 2010, Commander W. Michael Bowen was named a
Gold Brigadier and the Department of New York Recruiter of the Year, and
in 2011 he was named Silver Brigadier; and
WHEREAS, On Saint Patrick's Day, for the past 27 years, Commander W.
Michael Bowen has gone around the village area raising funds and donat-
ing them to the less fortunate and other charities; and
WHEREAS, Commander W. Michael Bowen regularly attends the Grace Commu-
nity Church in Hayts Corners and is a member of the Special Committee
for the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Outside of the American Legion, Commander W. Michael Bowen is
self employed and the owner of a local general contracting business; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Commander W. Michael Bowen has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Patty, their four
children, Jonathan, Brandi, Lori, and Jenny Sue, one grandchild, Brandan
Michael, and three step-grandchildren, Alex, Ian, and Brett, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Commander W. Michael Bowen has
displayed throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Department Commander W. Michael Bowen upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Sullivan County American
Legion; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Commander W. Michael Bowen.