[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 121 (Thursday, July 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF JIM ``BO'' BOWMAN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                         U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2007

  Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special 
tribute to Mr. Jim ``Bo'' Bowman--a good friend to me and to many of 
our colleagues--who is retiring after nearly 50 years in various 
capacities at the United States Air Force Academy.
  Jim Bowman's career and the history of the Air Force Academy 
athletics, in many ways, is one and the same. He has witnessed 49 
graduating classes. During his tenure at the Air Force Academy, he has 
worked with 16 Superintendents, 22 Commandants of Cadets, 8 Deans of 
the Faculty, 8 Directors of Intercollegiate Athletics, 10 Directors of 
Admissions, and hundreds of coaches and assistant coaches.
  Jim's contributions to our great country and to the preeminent Air 
Force in the world will be felt for decades to come, through the future 
accomplishments of more than 14,000 cadet student athletes who received 
appointments to the Academy with his assistance.
  Service academy life is as difficult as it is rewarding. Four years 
of stringent academic work intertwined with the demands of 
intercollegiate athletic competition, followed by a 5 year service 
commitment can be an ominous choice for a high school student. Jim 
Bowman's mentorship began at first contact with these candidates. His 
honesty and integrity would not permit him to sugar-coat the challenge 
he offered to these young men and women.
  As physical education instructor, as coach and as Associate Athletic 
Director, Jim Bowman used the discipline and competitive spirit of 
athletics to inspire character in the face of adversity, personal 
development, and ultimately, lives dedicated to national service.
  Jim Bowman's positive impact on the lives of those who are privileged 
to know him cannot be overstated. His life's work is the embodiment of 
the Air Force core values of: Integrity first, Service before self, and 
Excellence in all we do.
  Madam Speaker, few people can claim the title of ``legend.'' Jim 
Bowman's work in identifying, mentoring and encouraging the past, 
present and future leaders of the United States Air Force has earned 
him that title for as long as Air Force Academy cadets engage in 
intercollegiate athletic competition.
  I ask each of my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim and his 
wonderful wife, Mae, many years of good health and much happiness as 
they begin this exciting new chapter in the their lives together.

                          ____________________