LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Department Commander W. Michael Bowen
upon the occasion of his Homecoming, to be celebrated on May 19, 2012

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Department
Commander W. Michael Bowen upon the occasion of his Homecoming, to be
celebrated at a special Homecoming Dinner on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at
the Waterloo Holiday Inn, Waterloo, 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, 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, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which our veterans have served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who have risked
their lives for their beloved Nation; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Commander W. Michael Bowen has demonstrated his love for his country and
merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Department Commander W. Michael Bowen upon the occasion of his
Homecoming, to be celebrated on May 19, 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Department Commander W. Michael Bowen.