March 27, 2002
TC grad flying high after singing gig
Airman Craig Bowman performs National Anthem for president
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Known as the singing photographer, Airman Craig Bowman has made his mark at Elmendorf Air Force Base.
A 1998 graduate of Traverse City Central High School, Bowman sang the National Anthem for a crowd of thousands when President George W. Bush stopped in Alaska last month on his way to Asia. President Bush, the First Lady and members of the party greeted military families both before and after the president's speech on terrorism and the war effort.
"Singing this was one of the best experiences of my life, as a musician," Bowman said. "I loved it and wish I could do it a thousand more times."
Bowman said he exchanged a brief word with the president, who somehow heard him despite thousands of other admiring service personnel wanting to shake hands with or speak to the president. Bowman also spoke briefly to Secretary of State Colin Powell as he worked through the crowd.
"I've never felt so blessed to have met such amazing men, men that in reality have affected all our daily and long-term lives," he added. "My exact words to the president were, 'Sir, we're so very honored to have you here today.' He replied to me, 'Thank you, I am honored to have come.'"
Singing for President Bush was a natural outgrowth of Bowman's history of singing at every possible opportunity at social events and ceremonial gatherings. He spent so many of his free hours during his 18-month tour at Elmendorf singing that choosing him for this honor was a natural.
"The higher ranks and commanders at the base have gotten to know me by my voice," he said. "I've worked really hard to get my name known around the base by singing at events. People often jokingly ask if I take pictures as well as I sing, and I say, 'Yes!'"
Bowman enlisted in the Air Force in May of 1999 as a way to serve his country, travel and earn money for college. He joined as a photographer and was stationed in Guam for his first tour of duty. Though he loved Guam's beauty and is entranced with the majestic Alaskan scenery and mountains, he said he misses the small-town feel of Traverse City.
"My experiences have been a blast but Traverse City never leaves my heart," said Bowman, adding he misses his family the most.
Bowman credits his parents, Denise and Chuck Bowman, for their constant support and nurturing of his dreams of a vocal career. More importantly, he said they have grounded him in a faith in God that sustains him wherever he goes.
"They have taught me to be humble in all that I do and reminded me that everything I have belongs to Jesus Christ, including my voice," he said.
Years of guidance from Jeff Cobb, choral director at Central High School, have also contributed to Bowman's pursuit of his singing dreams. During high school, Bowman was heavily involved with all facets of the choral music program: Men of Note, Chorale-Aires and the program's first annual Rendezvous at the Jazz Club. He also had the lead role of Jesus in the musical Godspell his senior year.
Those experiences helped shape his current dreams and accomplishments.
"I believe, still do after four years of having been graduated and out in life, that he is the best teacher I had in all my youth," Bowman said. "He was the most encouraging person and was there for me and every other singer in the Chorale-Aires, encouraging our hearts' desires to sing."
"He never gave us less than his best as a teacher."
Cobb said that Bowman's talent and drive stood out even in high school.
"Craig was a terrific kid, a terrific talent and he always had a sparkle," said Cobb, who has seen Bowman a few times when he was in town on leave. "He had an immense amount of talent and a lot of direction. He's a great example of the military being good for someone because it's been incredible for him."
This month, Bowman switched to a job as an Air Force vocalist with the Air Force Band of the Pacific. This change required an audition and Pentagon-level approval.
He is also studying vocal performance as a music major at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Taking a full slate of classes while working full-time in the military during war, plus remaining active in his church and its choir, keeps Bowman very busy.
"In balancing school, the demands of military life during the war on terrorism, I sometimes wonder why I am doing it all," said Bowman, who plans to pursue a professional singing career after his tour of duty is up in 2004.
"But then I think to myself that God gave me a voice so that I would use it for him," he noted. "I am now an Air Force singer and I've never been so happy in my professional life. I'm doing what I love to do."