Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert M. Bowman believes it's time for Americans to take back their country.

Bowman, of Melbourne, Fla., spoke Monday night at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. He travels the country speaking about "the Patriots," a non-profit group he founded.

"We have to come together to take back America," Bowman said. "The government is dominated by multi-billionaires and corporations."

Bowman's appearance was organized by the Peace House. He talked about changes that need to be made in reference to American government.

Bowman said the economy and armed forces have been used for private financial gain.

"We demand a government that follows the constitution, honors the truth and serves the people," he said.

According to a press release, Bowman flew 101 combat missions as a fighter pilot in Vietnam. He subsequently received a Ph.D. in physics and rose to direct the Air Force research programs into space-based weapons and defense systems during the Ford and Carter administrations.

Bowman retired from the Air Force in 1980 and accepted a job in the defense industry, from which he soon resigned from to pursue his passion: Educating the American people about the political misuse of U.S. military might, according to the release.

"Our government has become controlled by corporate interests," Bowman said.

He named three objectives he has for the country: prevent an attack on Iran, end military occupation in Afghanistan and Iraq and impeach or indict Vice President Dick Cheney or President George W. Bush.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com