LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending American Legion Department Commander
W. Michael Bowen upon the occasion of the Homecoming Dinner being held
in his honor on May 19, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
American Legion Department Commander W. Michael Bowen of Seneca Falls,
New York, upon the occasion of the Homecoming Dinner being held in his
honor at the Waterloo Holiday Inn on Saturday, May 19, 2012; and
WHEREAS, The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by
Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual
helpfulness; it is the nation's largest veterans service organization,
committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in
our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong
national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and
veterans; and
WHEREAS, Commander W. Michael Bowen was born in Hornell, New York, and
grew up in Waterloo, New York; he enlisted in the United States Navy in
1967 at the age of 17 and served from 1967 until 1971 in Europe and the
Mediterranean area with the Naval Security Group as a top secret radio-
man intercept operator; and
WHEREAS, W. Michael Bowen is a 43 year life member of American Legion
Warner-Van Riper Post 435 in Waterloo; he was a member of the Sons of
the American Legion Squadron; and is a graduate of Legion College and
the National American Legion College; and
WHEREAS, Commander Bowen is, in addition, a member of Masonic Lodge
965, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, The
Marine Corp League, and the Forty and Eight Veterans Organization and
was the State Chef de GARE 2005-2006; and has been the Keynote Speaker
for the Memorial Day Ceremony in Waterloo three times; and
WHEREAS, Commander Bowen has earned a Certificate of Appreciation from
the Seneca Falls Municipal Drug Treatment Court; in 2007, he was named
Humanitarian of the Year by the 7th District American Legion; in 2010 he
was named a Gold Brigadier and the Department of New York Recruiter of
the Year and, in 2011, he was named a Silver Brigadier; and
WHEREAS, For the past 47 years, on Saint Patrick's Day, Commander
Bowen has gone around the village area playing Irish tunes raising funds
and donating them to the less fortunate of Seneca County and to various
charities; and
WHEREAS, Self-employed, W. Michael Bowen is the owner of a local
general contracting business; he attends Grace Community Church in Hayts
Corners and is a member of the Special Committee for the Sampson Veter-
ans Memorial Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, Commander Bowen and his wife Patty have four children, Jona-
than, Brandi, Lori, and Jenny Sue; and one grandchild, Brandan Michael;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend American Legion Department Commander W. Michael Bowen upon the

occasion of the Homecoming Dinner being held in his honor on May 19,
2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to W. Michael Bowen.