Michael Dowens and Paul Roman were honored with the Distinguished Citizen Awards of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently when the DAR held its third annual luncheon attended by close to 100 residents at the Holmdel Community Center.
This DAR Distinguished Citizen medal is presented to an individual, 18 years or older, or to groups that exemplify honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Dowens answered a call to action in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States 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 later 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 career in the Navy, Michael committed himself to serving his community by becoming a police officer for Holmdel Twp. He was a member of the Honor Guard, received two Lifesaving Commendations, and received numerous letters of commendation. As a police 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.”
Dowens 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 two 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 New Jersey and the nation’s Capital 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 for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day, drawing on his experiences to help educate today’s youth.
Roman’s career began when he enlisted in the US Army in 1969. He retired in 2006 with the rank of Major. During his Army years, he was also honored for his many outstanding contributions, receiving numerous commendations and achievement of medals.
He was placed on Special Assignment in the wake of the Gander, Newfoundland plane crash where troops were killed and medical records were destroyed. On that mission, he coordinated medical supplies for the 5000 Reservists in the 78th division. He was chosen as EMS Coordinator for several major events, including the World Trade Center Disaster, NJ Bayshore Ferry Evacuations providing a safe exodus from the city for thousands impacted by the attack.
The honor recipient has held a number of government positions, including his most recent appointment by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey Public Health Council. He has served on the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad since 1968 and his commitment to public service and to public health extends to developing teaching materials and teaching future EMS professionals. He established the oldest 8th grade CPR Certificate Program in the US in 1975, a program he still coordinates.
Roman’s long and extensive service career in Emergency Medical Services and Public Health has resulted in his receiving numerous accolades for his commitment and leadership. He is now the 5th most active Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician in the US.
In presenting the award, DAR officers praised Roman for his continually active life and his commitment to public service is unparalleled.
