COMPREHENSIVE PARK, OKINAWA, Japan -- Quick to smile and eager to say hello, Sam’s eyes light up as more people show up to his birthday party and children run around, playing their own games.
Retired Gunnery Sgt. Samuel C. Bowser, his family and members of the First United Pentecostal Church celebrated his 90th birthday May 25 at Comprehensive Park.
Bowser served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War during his 26–year military career. A logistics noncommissioned officer, he left the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge after serving in the Vietnam War, but was recalled for a second tour there.
“He loved his country, defended it in war and volunteered even again after stepping out of the Marines,” said Fonzell Marsh Jr., the pastor of the church.
During his service, he was stationed at various Marine Corps installations on Okinawa and has continued living on island for the past 26 years, raising his family. Since retiring, he shares more stories about his military career.
“Growing up, his war experiences were the past and I did not hear a lot about them,” said Lisa Bowser, the daughter of Samuel Bowser. “Now that he is getting older he tends to talk about them more.”
Samuel Bowser raised four children on Okinawa with his wife, Yoshiko Bowser, an Okinawa, Japan, native. He and his friend, William T. Brandon, also opened up a hotel on island, providing service to military personnel in transition to and from Okinawa during the Vietnam War.
“I was in business with Willy T. for 26 years, 24 hours a day,” said Bowser, a Duncansville, Pa., native. “All the officers in the area would come up and order food to support us.”
Over the years, Bowser gained a positive reputation from both service members and civilians on Okinawa.
“People describe him as very kind and gentle, someone who would do anything for you, but he is also a joker and has good wit when telling stories,” said Lisa Bowser. “He is a very generous person and a good father.”
Thirty years ago, Bowser joined the First United Pentecostal Church and is now a respected member.
Members of the church look up to him for advice as the oldest member and because he is a pillar of experience, according to Marsh.
“It’s an awesome experience to have him,” said Marsh. “He loves being around people and he loves his wife and children. I consider him and his wife my parents.”
Always a Marine, Bowser still looks out for younger Marines and advises them every chance he gets, to help them better themselves.
“I ask these young Marines, ‘how do you think I got to be almost 90 years old?’” said Bowser. “Then I tell them I quit drinking and smoking back when I was in the Marine Corps.”
Members from numerous churches on Okinawa attended the birthday party and helped set it up for Bowser.
“Everyone at the church put in an effort to make this birthday party for him, and I appreciate how much they take care of him,” said Lisa Bowser.
After serving in three wars, building a successful hotel business, and raising four children with his wife of 50 years, Bowser truly deserves a day of recognition and celebration.