[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A LIFE OF SERVICE: SERGEANT MAJOR JAMES BOWLING

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                          HON. JOSEPH J. HECK

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

  Mr. HECK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor the life 
of Sergeant Major James Franklin Bowling, Jr., United States Marine 
Corps (Retired). Sergeant Major Bowling was born the son of a marine on 
July 21, 1952, in Quantico, Virginia. He served his nation as a marine 
for over 30 years, retiring in 2001, but remaining active in his local 
community.
  Sergeant Major James Franklin Bowling joined the United States 
Marines Corps in 1970 where he served for 31 years. He completed tours 
in Okinawa, Saudi Arabia, Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Jim's true 
passion in the Marine Corps was serving as a Drill Instructor. He 
served as a Drill Instructor for two tours at Quantico for Officers 
Candidacy School and three tours at Parris Island. At Parris Island he 
met a then-Sergeant in the Marine Corps who would become his wife; 
Gunnery Sergeant Jacqueline Bowling (nee Milon), USMC (Retired).
  Sergeant Major Bowling was truly a dedicated marine. His drive to 
serve leaves a positive impression on his family, his community, and 
his country. His exceptional tour of service saw the end of the Vietnam 
War, the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the Global War on 
Terror.
  After retiring from the Marine Corps almost 10 years ago, the 
Bowlings moved to Henderson, Nevada. Sergeant Major Bowling became 
active with veterans in Henderson. He joined the Black Mountain 
Detachment of the Marine Corps League and served as its Detachment 
Commandant from 2007 to 2009. He served as an officer with the Devil 
Dogs, an honorary degree within the Marine Corps League. The Sergeant 
Major also dedicated part of his life to the Devil Pups Youth 
Leadership Program of America, serving as a sponsor and Volunteer PT 
Instructor with them. At the Department of Nevada level of the Marine 
Corps League, he served as Junior Vice Commandant from 2008 to 2009, 
and was serving as Detachment Junior Past Commandant and Detachment 
Chaplain when he passed away.
  Sergeant Major Bowling's career is also distinguished by the many 
decorations and awards he received during his service: Meritorious 
Service Medal (2nd Award); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; 
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; 
Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal (9th Award); National 
Defense Service Medal (2nd Award); Southwest Asia Service Medal (2nd 
Award); Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Drill 
Instructor Ribbon (4th Award); Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia); 
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait); Rifle Expert Badge (3rd Award); and 
the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge.
  Sergeant Major Bowling is survived by his wife of 22 years, Gunnery 
Sergeant Jacqueline Bowling (nee Milon), USMC (Retired). He also leaves 
behind his son, Jonathan; his mother, Hattie Trombley; two sisters, 
Becky Bird and Lode Silcox; and two brothers, David Bowling and Stephen 
Bowling.
  Sergeant Major Bowling will be remembered for his sacrifice and 
willing service, and for the extraordinary qualities he displayed as a 
husband, father, and friend. His personal warmth, sense of humor, and 
unfailing optimism brightened the lives of everyone around him. We will 
long remember the great impact he made on us all--he will be truly 
missed.

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