Born in Flushing, NY, and living in College Point, Queens, when he was drafted into the Army. Stephen Downie is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam from December 1968 to December 1969 with the "Jumping Mustangs" 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division, stationed north of Saigon. Serving as infantry during his time in Vietnam, he was awarded several honors, including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was promoted to Specialist 4 before leaving the Army. In recognition of his service, Stephen also received medals from New York State, such as the Medal for Merit, the Conspicuous Service Star, and the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Stephen first joined the Deer Park, NY VFW Post in 2000 to be with his best friend, Richie "Trooper" Autorino. He became a life member in 2003 and continued his VFW journey when he and Richie joined VFW Post 4927 in 2015. After Richie became the Post Commander, Stephen took over as Chaplain.

Stephen is also a member of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the American Legion. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Suffolk County Council VFW Chaplain, further contributing to his community and fellow veterans.