Bonham -- The last time Dana Bowman spoke at a Regional Veterans Day Observance in Bonham, they dropped the retired Army Sergeant First Class out of a helicopter at 5,000 feet a little more than two miles south of town and the former member of the U.S. Army's elite parachute team, the Golden Knights, rode a 40mph wind to a perfect touchdown at Warrior Stadium.

With rain moving into the area, Bowman didn't get a chance to make that kind of a stunning entrance Thursday, but his message was still right on target: "It's not the disability; it's the ability!"

Bowman, now a resident of Weatherford, Texas, has impeccable military credentials: 82nd Airborne, Special Forces, Ranger, HALO, Scuba, Sniper and finally Golden Knights Parachute Team.

Maybe the bravest thing Bowman has ever done, though, is when he relives a fateful day in 1993. The Golden Knights had nine jumps planned in Yuma, Arizona and he had eight down and one to go. The final jump was to be a diamond track, which meant two skydivers would crisscross with each man moving at 150mph as they descended.  One skydiver steers clear, while the other man holds a steady course.

The last thing Bowman saw was his teammate using an arm as a sail in a futile attempt to alter his course enough to avoid a collision at a combined speed of 300mph. That arm sheared off Bowman's legs in midair.  His teammate was killed.

That day would change Bowman forever; it motivated him.

"We all have disabilities," Bowman says. "Your disability is what you think you can't do."

Bowman went on to earn a commercial aviation degree from UND Aerospace. He learned to fly helicopters, seaplanes, earned a multi-engine rating, and enjoys piloting a hot air balloon in his spare time.

"I wanted to come back," Bowman explains. "And I wanted to give back.  I challenge everyone of you to come down and land on target.  You know who's depending on you?  Our country."

This was the 25th Annual Regional Veterans Day Observance in Bonham. The event is usually held at Warrior Stadium, although on Thursday the observance was moved into Leonard Gerner Gymnasium at Bonham High School because of rain in the forecast.

Across the U.S., there are 51 Regional Veterans Day Observances held in 31 states. Bonham is fortunate to host one of five such events in Texas.

Dana Bowman speaks at Bonham High School.

Presentation of Colors was by Lone Star Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The national anthem was performed by Bonham High School Band.

Dana Bowman presents David Williamson with a challenge coin.

A plaque was presented to Korean War Veterans Association.

Bonham Mayor Pro Tem H. Compton (center) receives a plaque on behalf of the City of Bonham.

Dr. Marvin Beaty, Bonham ISD Superintendent of Schools (center), is presented with a plaque for hosting the Regional Veterans Day Observance.

Retired chaplain Gene Owen sings, "God Bless the USA."

Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter was among the dignitaries attending the event.

Dana Bowman's entrance to Warrior Stadium in 2010.

photos by Allen Rich