David Rowan’s path from Lewis County to military service began with a limited local job market after high school graduation in 1982.
In a September 11 profile, WV News reports that Rowan enlisted in the Air Force in 1982 and transferred to the Army in 1988. He served 21 years across the two branches, working as a carpenter-mason and later as a food-service specialist, before medically retiring in 2003 after an injury.
Rowan told the newspaper that a three-year recruiting assignment in St. Louis helped him overcome a speech impediment and become more comfortable communicating with people. He and his wife later established a children’s charity in Philippi in memory of their daughter; the organization supports children with special needs and underprivileged youth.
For people considering military service, Rowan’s advice is to compare the training and opportunities offered by each branch and choose the one that best fits their goals.
Read the complete WV News profile for the full account and source photograph.