10/17/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. and State flags be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, the day of services for Sergeant Major Daniel Alan Owens of Salem, W.Va.
Owens enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1973 and through his service achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. After a break in service from 1982 to 1987, he joined the West Virginia National Guard. While serving with the Guard, Owens was also an employee of the West Virginia Department of Highways. Since 2005, Owens served as the Chief Instructor of the 197th Regional Training Institute where his primary concern was for the care of the men and women with whom he served.
On October 14, while on active duty at Camp Dawson, a West Virginia Army National Guard training site, Owens died unexpectedly. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.
"Today, we pay tribute to Sergeant Major Daniel Alan Owens, a dedicated West Virginian," said Gov. Tomblin. "We have lost an admirable soldier and a fellow public servant, whose service brings honor to his family, our state and our country. Joanne and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all who knew Daniel."
Owens is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Tina; his son, William; his daughter, Melissa; his daughter, JoAnn; his father, Harold; his step-mother, Loretta; his sister, Polly; his sister, Pam; thirteen grandchildren and extended family. He was predeceased by his mother, Imogene.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000