Photo By Capt. Carlos Agosto | Sgt. Thomas Mitchell Owens, a Vietnam veteran and member of the 352nd Combat Support...... read more read more
By Spc. Joseph Bitet
JOLON, Calif.- Sgt. Thomas Mitchell Owens wasn’t born in an Army uniform, but if he has it his way, he will most certainly be wearing one when he dies.
Owens, 59, an ammunition sergeant with the 352nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Macon, Ga., was one of more than 2,000 Army Reserve Soldiers who participated in collective sustainment training, June 16-24, during the Combat Support Training Exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett.
However, his Army journey began long ago in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam.
In 1969, the Doraville, Ga., native dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and completed his General Equivalency Diploma so he would be eligible to enlist in the Army.
Displaying personal courage in a time of fear and trepidation, Owens soon found himself serving as an infantryman in Vietnam with 1st Regiment, 61st Infantry.
He “humped the bush” with the angel of death on one shoulder and a guardian angel on the other. The reality of war settled in for Owens, as his unit suffered heavy casualties when a 122 mm rocket strike killed 29 and injured over 60 of his fellow brothers in arms.
“It was a kill or be killed place,” says Owens. “You’re a hero or a zero.”
Although Owens survived Vietnam and was awarded the coveted Combat Infantryman Badge, two Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, when he returned home it was not a hero’s welcome he anticipated.
“We [were] treated crappy,” said an emotional Owens. “The mission of all Vietnam vets is to make sure today’s Soldiers get treated better than we did.”
Owens meets with his fellow Vietnam veterans at an annual reunion. He is also a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, in Atlanta.
In 1975, Owens graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He worked multiple jobs and considered law enforcement, but soon came to realize that he missed putting on the Army uniform. Owens joined the National Guard in 1981 and soon after embarked on a five-year Active Guard Reserve tour. Upon completing that tour, Owens went back on active duty until 1992 when he was involuntarily discharged as part of the large-scale reduction in force.
After 16 years of being a civilian eagerly awaited another call to duty, Owens he found out he was once again eligible to serve in December 2008. With loyalty to his country, he wasted no time before he re-enlisted yet again. He re-trained to become an ammunition specialist with his current unit, the 352nd CSSB. As a Non-Commissioned Officer and with a wealth of experience, Owens feels it is his responsibility to develop Soldiers properly.
“He has a story to tell and people listen to him. We’ve all become very fond of him,” said 1st Sgt. Charles Williams, 352nd CSSB,
“Soldiers are given every opportunity to succeed,” said Owens, who feels the Army is constantly changing for the better since he first enlisted. He credits Vietnam as the reason he adopted a “lead, follow, or get out of the way attitude.” This knowledge and experience has easily earned the respect of his troops.
“He gives us a taste of history from someone who’s seen a different type of combat,” said Spc. Shane Mathews, 352nd CSSB. “He’s someone you can talk to. He embodies the NCO creed in those he serves with.”
Owens has not only been an example of leadership, but also a source of motivation for his fellow troops.
“He is the cornerstone of morale in the unit,” said Capt. Thomas Townsend, chaplain, 352nd CSSB.
Owens is just as dedicated to the Army out of uniform as he is in it. He constantly displays acts of selfless-service. His recent achievements include completing the Army 10-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon, both in October 2009. He also recently finished a two-month voluntary tour for the United Service Organizations at the Pat Tillman USO Center on Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
“A corny joke and a brief conversation can really brighten a Soldier’s day,” said Owens, whose honor and respect for those who have served in the United States military knows no bounds.
In July 2010, he will participate in a four-day, 120-mile road march in Nijmegen, Holland, in honor of World War II veterans who liberated the city.
“This is my last Hoo-ah in life,” said Owens.
The motivation and morale Owens instilled in the Soldiers he served with will last forever.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2010 20:53 |
| Story ID: | 51934 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, US |
| Web Views: | 1,230 |
| Downloads: | 287 |
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