Honor Mission
Michael P. Dowling
US Army
Cold War Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 07/03/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Michael P. Dowling has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Michael, 54, a longtime resident of the Schaghticoke and Valley Falls areas, died peacefully, Monday, September 26, 2011, at his residence.
Born in Troy, NY, Michael was a graduate of Lansingburgh High School and East Coast Aero Technical School in Massachusetts were he earned an FAA license and certification in the field of Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics. In 1980 he accepted a position as Quality Assurance Inspector with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT, and on October 25 1983, he joined the United States Army, attended flight training in Alabama and UH-60 Black Hawk training school before being stationed in Korea.
He was then transferred to California for test pilot training and participated in operation "Just Cause" in Panama. In 1989 he was honorably discharged from the Army at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2, and for his service, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Army Lapel Button. He enlisted in the National Guard in California and most recently, he transferred to the New York Army National Guard, piloting AH-1 Cobra helicopters. In 1995 Michael was hired at the Army Aviation Support Facility #3 by DynCorp International of Latham as the Quality Control Supervisory Maintenance Test Pilot and remained an active member of the NYS National Guard. Due to health concerns he retired from the job he loved in September 2010.
He was an honorary member of the Speigletown Volunteer Fire Company. He enjoyed many hobbies including dirt track racing at local speedways, watching NASCAR, restoring his 1936 Chevrolet coupes, working with his farm tractor, but most importantly enjoyed just being with his friends and family.
Note: There are two veterans from the same family being interred during this mission. Please see the related mission posting for Steven G. Seymour, US Air Force, Vietnam Veteran.
A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
07/03/2023 at 10:45am
Staging Location:
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
Stillwater Bridge Road Gate
69 Stillwater Bridge Rd.
Schaghticoke, NY 12154
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak -
518-669-3358
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
We will stage at the Stillwater Bridge Road entrance to the Schagticoke Fairgrounds and meet with the family and Funeral Director. We will stand for the dignified transfer of the cremains of both veterans from the family vehicle to the funeral home vehicle, and take the lead for the escort to Saratoga National cemetery.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
07/03/2023 at 11:30am
Second Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Second Stage - Special Information:
Members are asked to stand for Steven G. Seymour at the 12:00 pm service, and remain for the 12:30 service immediately following, for this veteran, Michael P. Dowling.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 06/28; MER
