SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO: Honoring our Veterans

View and download our print Veterans brocures and materials via the links above.

RALPH BOWEN
2020 Veterans Hall of Fame Honoree
Ralph Bowen, a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the last surviving World War II veteran from the Allegany Territory, served our nation valiantly as a member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. An aerial gunner who fought in the European Campaign, Ralph helped liberate Europe from Nazi occupation, serving from 1941 to 1945. After the War, he returned home to Western New York, making significant contributions to the Nation and community while working for the Erie Railroad as a union laborer and ironworker. Ralph is well decorated including have been presented with France’s highest award, the French Legion of Honor, for his role in liberating France. Ralph Bowen, who just turned 98, will be inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame at a private ceremony in the near future.

CHARLIE BROWN
Since the founding of our great nation, young Americans have been willing to put their own lives on the line to answer the call to defend freedom and liberty whenever and wherever the forces of tyranny threaten it. Those patriotic ranks include Olean veteran Charlie Brown, who, as a 19-year-old Private First Class in the New York Army National Guard fought for our nation and our French allies during World War II. He was in combat for 302 days including during the Battle of the Bulge. It was a privilege to join in honoring Charlie in December when he was presented with the prestigious French Legion of Honor for his valor.