An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Making A Difference: Vet Honored For Volunteer Work

Feb. 25, 2014 | By kentuckyguard
Story courtesy WLEX 18 [caption id="attachment_21677" align="aligncenter" width="573"]DSC02682 Kentucky National Guard leadership was on hand at the Lexington VA Medical Center to honor Troy Bowling for his service to Kentucky's veterans. Pictured with him are Capt. Aaron Van Sickle, Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Adams III, State Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley and State Command Chief Master Sgt. James Smith. (Photo courtesy Lexington Veterans Administration Medical Center) Click here to see the original LEX18 story. LEXINGTON, Ky.  -- He served our country in World War II and his service didn't end there. On Friday, Troy Bowling received a big honor for at the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Governor Steve Beshear, Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and members of the Kentucky National Guard leadership were on hand at the VA Center Friday to honor him. He's volunteered more than 73,000 hours to the VA Center. Bowling joined the Marines at age 17. And at 19, he was shot during Iwo Jima. He was left for dead and listed as killed in action until he raised his hand to let medics know he was still alive. "I don't consider myself a hero because I came back. The only ones I consider a hero are those who were left behind. That was most of my unit," he said. "We must never forget the sacrifices that our veterans, such as Mr. Bowling, have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms, " said Kentucky National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Chumley. "His sense of duty and dedication is amazing and the humble way in which he continues to serve our nation's veterans is awe inspiring. He represents the best of what our military service members have to offer. We can all learn a great lesson from this great Kentuckian." Bowling has received a number of honors including the Purple Heart and the Lifetime Service Achievement Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  

News Search

Narrow Search