A Final Call of Honor: Spokane Bugler Plays Taps for the Last Time

For 25 years, one man stood quietly at gravesides across Spokane, honoring fallen service members with one of the most sacred traditions in military history.

This March, that chapter came to a close.

At 88 years old, retired Army Reserve Lt. Col. Phil Kowzan played Taps for the final time at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, marking his 3,335th performance of the 24-note tribute.

For a quarter century, Kowzan ensured that no veteran’s farewell was accompanied by a recording. Instead, families heard the real thing, live, personal, and deeply human. His commitment began in 2001 at the funeral of a friend, when he refused to let a tape recorder stand in for the honor deserved.

“It wasn’t meant to be played on a recording… I want them to get the real thing, the live Taps.”

Through heat, cold, wind, and grief, Kowzan showed up. He stood apart from the crowd, as tradition dictates, and delivered each note with precision and respect. His mission was simple: get it right, every time.

His service reminds us that military honors are not just ceremonial, they are deeply personal. The sound of Taps is often the final farewell, a moment that lingers with families long after the service ends.

Kowzan’s retirement leaves behind not just a legacy of service, but also a challenge to the next generation. As he steps away, the need for live buglers remains. His hope is that others will step forward to carry on this meaningful tradition.

Read the Full Story

You can read the full article from KHQ here: Read the full KHQ article

A Legacy Worth Carrying Forward

Phil Kowzan’s service is a powerful reminder that honoring our nation’s veterans does not end with their passing. It continues in the traditions we uphold, the respect we show, and the people willing to step forward.

MOAA Ladies Donations Year Ending 2025

Homeless Veterans –

Dec. collection $45 (Chapter Social)

YTD $1,398    YTD Items delivered 2,984    YTD Est. Value $ 2,817

Items delivered in January – 365   Estimated Value $420.40   Funds spent $226

33 cans soup, 14 jars peanut butter, 15 jars jelly, 26 cans chicken/Spam, 6 misc. can goods, 64 Mac & Cheese cups, 24 Cup of Noodles, 36 tubes saltine crackers, 60 packets apple cider, 50 packets hot chocolate, 5 hash brown pkgs., 2 dish cloths, and 30 packets vitamin supplements.

**Items requested – Canned meat (Spam, chicken), canned ravioli & spaghetti, breakfast bars, protein bars, bottled water, fruit cups, can hearty soups/chili/beef stew, box crackers packaged in tubes, small serve shelf stable milk, single serve juices, single serve potato chips or crackers and hygiene items.

Spokane Veterans Home –  YTD $184      YTD items delivered 3280

Items delivered in December - 1035

509 greeting cards, 20 postage stamps, 79 calendars, 29 magazines, 41 activity books, 45 unfinished wood crafts, 35 misc. craft, 13 strings x-mas lights, 15 sheets stickers, 33 note pads, 12 spiral note pads, 7 pkgs. markers/color pencils/crayons, 14 pens, 48 AA batteries, 2 DVDs, 7 sunglasses, 1 calculator, 18 gift wrap, 68 hair clips, 8 men’s wallets, 7 side pouches, 10 toiletry bags, 1 pair slippers, 1 Cabella’s hat, I cookie mix, 11 misc. items.

**Items requested – Calendars, sun glasses, plastic tube type hangers, men’s wallets, postage stamps, new hair brushes and hair clips, music CDs, unused greeting cards for birthdays, anniversary, sympathy etc., craft items, magazines, new military hats, DVD or Blue Ray movies, Command hooks all sizes, baking mixes brownies, cookies etc., new travel type neck pillows, Old Spice/Axe body wash and body spray, wall clocks with large numbers, used I-Pods

Christ Kitchen - YTD donation $100

Holiday Wreaths – YTD total $675.00 (includes $200 from the Chapter)

(Does not include amounts ??? sent directly to Cemetery by members)

We are supporting the purchase of wreaths directly through the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery at Medical Lake.

Veterans Property Tax Benefit Available in Kootenai County

If you're a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, you may be eligible to reduce your property taxes by up to $1,500 on your primary home and up to one acre of land — and income isn’t a factor for qualifying. To take advantage, you’ll need a current VA disability letter each year and will apply through the county between January and April.

👉 Learn more and find application details here: https://www.kcgov.us/838/Veterans-Property-Tax-Benefit