Casey Owens
Casey Owens | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Superstud[1] |
Born | c. 1981 |
Died | October 15, 2014 Aspen, Colorado, United States |
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 2002–2004 |
Rank | Corporal |
Battles/wars | Iraq War |
Awards | Bronze Star Purple Heart |
Casey Owens (born c. 1981 − October 15, 2014) was a
Biography
Owens deployed for a second tour in
The muscle and skin flaps on his amputation stumps failed to close properly and resulted in nonhealing wounds. Owens said he subsequently underwent repeated amputations which further reduced the size of his stumps while a patient at VA and military hospitals. Through his own funds and the help of several charitable organizations, Owens received hyperbaric oxygen therapy in New Orleans, Louisiana by Dr. Paul Harch.[4] In 2008, Owens testified before the United States House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in a hearing regarding the "poor quality of care" and "bureaucratic maze" that military personnel must navigate in order to receive medical care from the VA.[5]
After a return to college which proved unsuccessful due to traumatic brain injury, Owens became an accomplished skier and marathon runner in the Paralympic Games.[6][7]
Death
Owens struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence. He was convicted of drunk driving in 2010, and subsequently entered a recovery and rehabilitation program. In a 2012 interview with CBS News' David Martin, Owens said: "I really don't think I'll ever be free. I don't think the burden of war is ever gone."[8]
Owens died by suicide on October 16, 2014. His memory was honored with an "appreciation party" in Aspen, Colorado on October 18, 2014.[9] He was interred at the Arlington National Cemetery.
The Western Slope Veteran's Coalition Veteran Resource Office in Glenwood Springs Colorado was dedicated to Jesse Beckius and Casey Owens, both Marines that took their own lives.
References
- ^ a b Casey breezes through USMC marathon Archived March 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, November 2, 2005, Lone Star Times, access date 02/04/08
- ^ KRT Photos, November 3, 2004
- ^ Marine Enjoys a Triumphant Day, October 31, 2005, The Washington Post, by Kathy Orton, access date 02/04/08
- ^ [1], CBS News, August 3, 2009 access date 10/16/14
- ^ Congressional Committee Holds Oversight Hearing to Examine Care of Seriously Wounded Veterans (March 18, 2008), Veterans for Common Sense.
- ^ [2] Archived October 17, 2014, at the Wayback Machine,Fort Bend Lifestyles & Homes, July 2009, access date October 16, 2014
- ^ Warriors on the snow, The Aspen Times, February 24, 2007, by Charles Agar, access date 02/04/08
- ^ "For some vets, the Iraq war will never end". CBS News. July 10, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
- ^ "Casey Owens 'appreciation party' is Saturday". The Aspen Times. October 16, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2014.