10/11/2024
It is our pleasure to announce that we presented the 𝐃𝐀𝐑 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 to Michael Dowens at our annual veterans lunch this past week. This medal is presented to an individual, 18 years or older, or to groups that exemplify honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. Michael has demonstrated all these qualities throughout his life.
In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US, Michael answered the call to action and demonstrated much courage and leadership by enlisting as a Search and Rescue Swimmer for the Navy, despite having no previous swimming experience. He served in the Northern Arabian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom and afterward in Liberia and Somalia. Delivering aid, food, and fresh water to the local people overseas were some of his most enjoyable moments during his years of service with the Navy. He believes that the Navy has instilled in him a profound appreciation for "living free," which highlights his understanding of the sacrifices necessary for and the importance of preserving freedom.
Following his time in the Navy, Michael committed himself to serving his community by becoming a police officer for Holmdel Township. He was a member of the Honor Guard, was awarded 2 Lifesaving Commendations, and received numerous letters of commendation. To sum up his time as an officer, he has been complimented by a fellow officer who says: “He is the guy you want standing next to you at the most critical moment.”
Michael then founded Unbroken Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to veterans struggling with PTSD. To raise awareness of the issue, as well as raise funds to send veterans for treatment, he walked 237 miles while carrying a heavy rucksack and an American flag from the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Washington, DC. He raised $30,000 for this walk which was enough to send 2 veterans for treatment at The Refuge.
In 2017, he again walked 250 miles, this time from the Vietnam Veterans Monument in Washington to VFW Post 133 in East Brunswick, where he is a member, and walked again between NJ and DC in 2018 and 2019. To date, Unbroken Warriors has raised over $100,000 for fellow veterans.
Michael also regularly speaks to students at local schools during patriotic events such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day, drawing on his experiences to help educate our youth.
