Rowlett honors Master Sergeant John P. Bowers Jr. with veterans recognition and Quilt of Valor

Mayor Jeff Winget and Councilmember John P. Bowers III honored Master Sergeant (Ret.) John P. Bowers Jr. at their Nov. 4 meeting as part of the Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program.

"I'm honored to recognize someone who has had a tremendous influence on my life, my father, John P. Bowers, junior," Councilmember John P. Bowers III said as he introduced the veteran and read the certificate acknowledging his 22 years of Army service.

State Representative Bridal Andrews Bowers presented a resolution from the state recognizing Master Sergeant Bowers' service and civic contributions, saying the family’s public service spans city and state roles. Chris Gazar read a biographical summary of Bowers' career, listing awards including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Laurie Coates, a volunteer with the Quilts of Valor Foundation, presented a quilt to Bowers and described the group's mission to provide comfort to service members: "We consider them awards… a lifetime award," Coates said, explaining the Rowlett volunteer group's participation.

Master Sergeant Bowers thanked the city and the volunteers. Council and staff announced the city's Veterans Day ceremony will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Park with retired U.S. Marine Corps First Sergeant Joshua Chitwood as keynote speaker.

The presentation highlighted the city's Veterans Recognition Program, initiated in 2017, which the council uses to publicly honor service members and raise awareness of veterans' issues in Rowlett.