[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E529-E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM H. BOWERS

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 15, 1996

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say a few words of 
congratulations and thanks to a distinguished member of the community 
in my district. A lifetime member of American Legion Post 57, and the 
most recent Western Vice Commander, William H. Bowers has made numerous 
outstanding achievements that have greatly benefitted his fellow 
veterans and citizens in his home county of Indiana, PA.
  He has held numerous offices in addition to the American Legion 
Western Vice Commander. While serving as post commander, Saltsburg, he 
received the National Americanism Award. He has been honored as Post 
Commander of the Year in Pennsylvania, as well as Indiana County 
Veteran of the Year; in addition he has served as Commander of the 
Indiana County United Veterans, Indiana County Commander, District 27 
Commander, District 27 Adjutant, and Vice Chairman of the Citizens Flag 
Allegiance. He has also been recognized by the ROTC for his many 
accomplishments.
  In addition to being a lifetime member of the American Legion, 
Commander Bowers is also a member of the VFW Post 7901, Amvets Post 
277, and VVA Chapter 286.
  Among his many civic contributions are establishing bylaws for the 
Indiana County United Veterans Advisory Council and serving as chairman 
of the Indiana County Veterans Memorial Committee. He organized and 
still serves as the CEO of Boy Scout Troop No. 157 in Saltsburg and 
manages the Young Township senior legion baseball team. He has also 
been a guest speaker at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania's 
sociology department representing VVA Chapter 286.
  1991 was a very painful year for us in and near the 12th district of 
Pennsylvania, when 25 local gulf war soldiers were killed in action. 
Commander Bowers gave a memorable tribute to those young men and women 
by organizing a veterans honor guard of over 300 veterans with colors 
for their funerals. Commander Bowers was also instrumental in having a 
gulf war honor roll erected on the Indiana County Courthouse lawn, 
listing all Indiana County veterans serving in the Gulf.

[[Page E530]]

  William H. Bowers served in the Army with the Military Assistance 
Group overseas.
  I salute Commander Bowers for his lifelong dedication to his fellow 
soldiers and his community.

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