[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING MAJOR GENERAL BRAD OWENS

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2022

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to 
recognize Major General Brad Owens for his more than 37 years of 
distinguished service to the United States Army and South Carolina Army 
National Guard (SCARNG).
  Major General Owens served as the Assistant Adjutant General for 
Joint Force Headquarters, South Carolina where he worked to increase 
the readiness and capabilities of our military. Major General Owens was 
the driving force behind the modernization of SCARNG facilities by 
partnering with academic institutions such as The Citadel, USC-Upstate, 
and Greenville Tech. His tremendous efforts have also set the 
conditions for an Aiken Readiness Center located on campus of the 
University of South Carolina-Aiken.
  When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Major General Owens served as the 
designated Dual-Status Commander for Defense Support of Civil 
Authorities where he led the effort to establish a Unified Command 
Group with multiple State Agencies that successfully responded to the 
needs of South Carolina. His service to the community and the guard 
will have an everlasting, positive effect far into the future.
  His tireless work has led to strong relationships with combatant 
commands worldwide that increased the SCARNG support to over sixteen 
different countries. More notably, Major General Owens was instrumental 
in the SCARNG's fruitful partnership with Colombia, which resulted in 
his receiving of two decorations, the Faith in the Cause and the Torre 
de Castilla medal. His outstanding career is further highlighted with 
his many decorations and badges such as Combat Action Badge, the 
Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Salvage Diver Badge, the 
Sapper identification tab, the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious 
Service Medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, and the Engineer 
Regiment's Silver de Fleury.
  Major General Owens is known throughout the Aiken community and the 
state for his steady leadership and integrity. His notable service to 
both his country and community has made him beloved by those who worked 
with him and know him. We cannot thank him enough for his many decades 
of service to both his country and community.

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