LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A retired Army chief warrant officer three was elected national commander of the world's largest veterans organization during The American Legion's 107^th national convention today.

Jay Bowen, of Colorado Springs, Colo., worked in radar and missile maintenance on HAWK and Patriot systems during his 20-year military career, which included service in Operation Desert Shield.

Following his military service, Bowen worked in the private sector in roles including distribution management and telecommunications engineering. He built a preventive maintenance program for baked beans manufacturer Bush Brothers & Company. He later worked in federal defense contracting. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Arkansas University, graduating summa cum laude, and a Master of Arts degree from Webster University.

Bowen has held numerous leadership positions within The American Legion at the post, district, department (state), and national levels. A Paid Up For Life member of Neal Thomas Jr.-Centennial Post 209 in Colorado Springs, Colo., he is a past commander of  the Department of Colorado. At the national level, he has served as chairman of the Veterans Employment and Education Commission, chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, and chairman of the Membership and Post Activities Committee, among other roles.

As national commander, Bowen emphasizes The American Legion's mission of service through his theme, "Be Part of the Solution (B.P.O.T.S.)," encouraging members to engage actively in their communities, support veterans, and their families, and advance the organization's legislative priorities. He is a staunch advocate for The American Legion "Be the One" mission to prevent veteran suicide.

Bowen and his wife, Jackie, have two sons, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Contact: John Raughter, jraughter@legion.org, 317.630.1350.

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SOURCE The American Legion