Bernard Boowah Chong

Bernard Boowah Chong, a Retired Chief Petty Officer (Surface Warfare) was born and raised on the lower east side of Manhattan. He graduated from the Clearfield Job Corp Center in Clearfield, Utah and spent six weeks working at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah as a combination welder for industrial productions.

On August 13, 1974, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam and Gulf War eras until August 31, 1994 when he was transferred to Fleet Reserve after 20 years of Naval service. On September 1, 2004, he was transferred from Fleet Reserve to the Retired List by the Secretary of the Navy after completing 30 years of service.

During his time at various naval commands, Mr. Chong received numerous medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons, including: Navy/ Marine Corp Commendation Medal, Navy / Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 times), Good Conduct Medal (4 times), National Defense Service Medal (2 times for Vietnam and Gulf War era), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon (for the space shuttle Challenger accident investigation in 1986), Meritorious Unit Commendation (from Recruiting Command), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Recruiting Service Ribbon, Enlisted Surface Warfare Insignia, Recruiting Gold Wreath Badge (16 times for outstanding recruiting district New Jersey).

After leaving the military, Mr. Chong worked as a tower operator, train operator, and train service supervisor for the MTA (New York City Transit Authority) for 25 years before retiring. Mr. Chong is a strong advocate for the Transit Workers Union of America (TWU Local 100) and Subway Surface Supervisors Association (SSSA) unions and for veteran rights. He has received the Commanders Club Certificate in 2019 and 2020 for Disabled American Veterans from Diamond Leader New York Gene A. Murphy.

Mr. Chong is currently a member of the Rosedale-Laurelton American Legion Post 483 in Queens, New York and helps with its food pantry program. He also mentors youth in the community.