Vietnam veterans Gene Murphy and Lyle Bowes of Sioux Falls remain lifelong friends, bonded by the experiences they shared and the tragedy of war.
Gene Murphy was wounded in action while in Vietnam. Despite months of hospitalization and incurable paralysis of his legs, Murphy went on to build a family and hold prominent leadership positions serving the needs of veterans and their families in the region and at the national level. The experience changed his life and after recovering he devoted his life to helping other wounded veterans. Murphy joined DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in 1970 and became increasingly active in the organization. He served as national commander of DAV from 1987 to 1988, advocating for veterans of all wars all the way to the highest levels of government. In 1998, Murphy was elected treasurer of the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, and continues to serve as secretary/treasurer.