A1C Corey C. Owens, 26, of San Antonio, has died in Iraq, the Defense Department announced. He died in a non-combat-related incident on Feb 17 at Al Asad AB, Iraq. Owens was an installation patrolman assigned to the 47th Security Forces Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Tex. While in Iraq, he was serving with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. “The Laughlin community is devastated by the loss of Corey,” said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. Frankel added, “He stepped up to serve his nation in a time of war and deployed when he was asked. There is nothing more honorable for an airman.” Owens joined the Air Force in 2008. This was his second deployment. (Includes Laughlin release)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.