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Rowlett honors Marine Major Bruce Thompson Bowers with veterans recognition and Quilts of Valor
Summary
Rowlett City presented a veterans recognition certificate and a Quilts of Valor to Major Bruce Thompson Bowers and announced the VROC/Habitat for Humanity veteran house will begin concrete work in coming days; council and volunteers described Bowers' service and community contributions.
Rowlett City council presented Major Bruce Thompson Bowers with the Rowlett Veterans Recognition Program certificate and a Quilts of Valor award during its Sept. 2 meeting. Mayor (speaker 1) introduced the 42nd honoree, and Chris Khazar of the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center described Bowers' long military career and community ties. "Born in Southern California, Bruce joined the United States Marine Corps in 1967," Khazar said, recounting Bowers' tours, decorations and later life in Rowlett.
Lori Coates, a volunteer with Quilts of Valor, described the local group and presented a quilt labeled "Bruce Thompson Bowers, US Marine." Bowers, who spoke briefly, recalled returning from Vietnam and said it was rewarding to see communities recognize veterans. "It is so rewarding to have so many patriotic, caring Americans," he said.
Council members and VROC representatives also announced a related housing effort: in partnership with Habitat for Humanity the VROC has cleared remaining hurdles and expects to begin concrete work for its first veterans house within days, with an estimated 2.5–3 months until the major rebuild is complete. Chris Khazar said the project has taken nearly three years to reach this milestone and the group will soon select the veteran who will occupy the home.
The recognition and presentations also included remarks about local volunteer efforts: Coates said a Rowlett Quilts of Valor chapter meets monthly and volunteers made the quilt delivered to Bowers. The council took no formal action related to the VROC housing announcement; the remarks were presented as part of item 4a, veterans recognition.
