Fred Owens

US Army Veteran Fred Owens served for nearly a decade as a Combat Engineer in the 10th Special Forces Group. He was first stationed at Ft. Devens, MA, then several international locations, and finally ended his time in the Army at Ft. Benning, GA. Currently, Fred owns and operates Ray E. Owens and Sons Moving and is involved with New Freedom Farms Color Guard.

Fred served in the Army from 1975 to 1984 as a Combat Engineer. This position entails aiding navigation for soldiers with engineering solutions. Tasks such as constructing bridges, clearing obstructions, and detecting and avoiding mines, environmental hazards, and other navigational deterrents. In addition to aiding navigation, combat engineers also construct fighting and defensive positions in battle.

After leaving the Army, Fred began his career in union ironwork. He assisted in the construction of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (The GBT) in Green Bank, WV. The world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. The GBT weighs almost 17 million pounds, stands over 485 feet above ground level, and has a 100-meter diameter collecting area. Currently, Fred owns and operates Ray E. Owens and Sons Moving, a family-owned and veteran-friendly moving company.

Fred is also involved with New Freedom Farm Color Guard. Located in Buchanan, VA, this nonprofit organization aids veterans and first responders with PTSD, substance use, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other conditions using equine therapy and peer-to-peer support.

Fred also volunteers with the Barnyard Buddies program which aids stray kittens and cats. In his free time, he enjoys flat track bike racing and fishing.

Fred along with three other members of New Freedom Farm were honored as Hometown Heroes in the past months. You can read more about the presentation here.

Branch Partner Jonathan Sweat from The Legacy Team Roanoke, VA branch was honored to present Melvin with his Hometown Hero award.

*Pictured left to right: Fred Owens, Andrew Kintgen, Clint Cash, and Melvin Smith.