[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CLYDE W. BOWLING

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Mr. Goodlatte, 
would like to honor Clyde W. Bowling, a devoted public servant to the 
people of Bluefield and Tazewell County, on the occasion of his 100th 
birthday.
  Mr. Bowling was born on February 26, 1912. His family moved to 
Graham, now known as Bluefield, where he graduated from Graham High 
School in 1931. From 1933 to 1934, Mr. Bowling served as a member of 
the Civilian Conservation Corps, working at the Beltsville, Maryland, 
research center and in various forestry projects.
  Mr. Bowling is a proud veteran of World War II. During the War, he 
served with the Combat Engineers, 99th Division, and the 743rd Railroad 
Battalion building railroads in Germany and Belgium.
  His willingness to serve extended to the Tazewell County and 
Bluefield communities as well. Mr. Bowling served as the leader of Boy 
Scout Troop 144 for over 30 years. During this time he received several 
awards, including the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to 
young people. He was the Treasurer of the Town of Bluefield in 1962, a 
member of the Tazewell County Soil and Water Conservation Board in the 
1960s, and held a position as a member of the Cumberland Plateau 
Planning District for 13 years. He worked closely with the Tazewell 
County Transportation Safety Commission for 40 years to increase 
highway safety and support improvements. He was actively involved with 
American Legion Post #122, the Masonic Lodge #122, the Graham High 
School Athletic Booster Club, the Bluefield Business and Professional 
Association, and was a charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 
9696. Mr. Bowling is also a longtime member of Virginia Avenue United 
Methodist Church.
  Through hard work and dedication, Mr. Bowling established the 
Mountain Dominion Resource Conservation and Development Area, RC & D. 
He served as chairman of this organization as well as the New River-
Highlands RC & D. In addition, he served in all offices of the State 
Association of RC & D Councils, as second vice president of the 
Southeast Association of RC & D Councils, and was named to the Virginia 
State Association of RC & D Hall of Fame. He was also a member of Earth 
Team.
  Currently, Mr. Bowling resides in the Virginia Veterans Care Center 
next to the V.A. Hospital in Salem, VA. He is the oldest veteran in the 
Center.
  Mr. Bowling's contributions to the community are to be commended. He 
has impacted many lives throughout his 100 years. As a member of 
America's greatest generation, the young people of today have much to 
learn from his service and dedication. We are honored to pay tribute to 
this great man and this very special birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. 
Bowling. Thank you for all that you have done for Southwest Virginia.

                          ____________________