W. Michael "Mike" Bowen

Commander Mike Bowen is a resident of Seneca Falls, New York. After graduating in 1967, Mr. Bowen enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served from 1967 until 1971 as a CTR, Cryptologic Technician Radioman, obtaining the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.

Commander Bowen earned numerous service awards while serving in the Navy, including the National Defense Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Navy Achievement Medal and the Conspicuous Service Cross from New York State. He is a 48-year life member of Warner-Van Riper Post 435, Waterloo, New York, a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and a life member of the following veterans organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Am Vets, The Marine Corps League and the 40/8 Veterans Organization, of which he was Grand Chef de Gare (State Commander) in 2005. Commander Bowen was Department Commander of the NYS American Legion in 2012 (State Commander), serving over 1 million veterans.

In 2007, Commander Bowen was named Humanitarian of the Year for the Seventh District American Legion; in 2010 and 2012, he was named a Gold Brigadier and the Department of New York Recruiter of the Year.

Commander Bowen is a Past Master of Masonic Lodge # 965, and currently serves on the National Veterans Employment and Education Committee, is Chairman of American Legion Boys State Chairman of Waterloo, New York and has been a member of Boy’s State Faculty for many years.

Since Commander Bowen’s retirement, he spends much of his free time visiting with WW II veterans, Korean War vets, Viet Nam vets and veterans from all of the service organizations. He frequently shares veterans’ stories with other veterans, friends and family, in hopes that they will never be forgotten.

Commander Bowen and his wife, Patty, have four children, Jonathan, Brandi, Lori, and Jenny Sue, and one grandchild, Brandan Michael.