PINEVILLE, La. – Army Col. James F. Bowie said goodbye to friends, family and colleagues at a retirement ceremony honoring his 31 years of service at the Stafford House on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, July 19.
An Alexandria resident, the native of Colfax most recently completed a three-year active duty assignment working for the Louisiana National Guard as the state inspector general.
Bowie commissioned into the transportation corps in 1980. He held many positions, including time as commander of the 765th Transportation Battalion in Fort Eustis, Va., and a combined total of eight years in Korea.
The accomplished officer thanked many people he said helped him during his career.
“To the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard soldiers, airmen, civilians and family members: what a joy working together and taking advantage of every opportunity to serve our great country as well as our great state of Louisiana,” he said. “This National Guard team without a doubt is ‘Ever Ready, Always There.’
“I wouldn’t be here today and as successful as I am today without the love, support and sacrifice of my family, son James Jr., daughter Kimberly, who was unable to attend, and my loving wife Joyce throughout my military career,” said Bowie. “Joyce, thank you for being there for me, being my best friend and a devoted wife, standing by me and supporting me for 31 years of active duty service.”
Among his many awards and decorations include the federal and Louisiana Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, numerous Meritorious Service Medals and Army Commendation Medals, the Army Superior Unit Award and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
Recently, Bowie was named as the senior Army instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at McKinley High School in East Baton Rouge for the upcoming school year.
Bowie is a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and holds master’s degrees from Webster University and the U.S. Army War College.