Garland Logan Owens

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on January 17, 2006:

Garland Logan Owens Born November 15, 1927 ? Died January 2, 1995 THE DAY AFTER GARLAND LOGAN OWENS died; his widow and oldest son discovered a sealed envelope in a golf shoebox while searching Garland's desk for insurance documents. In the envelope was a list of things Garland felt were important about his life, along with this memo addressed to his son: "Based on the attached notes, I would like you to write my memorial for ASSEMBLY. I want it to be factual and simple. I did what I thought was right, enjoyed success, and suffered failure. I've had a good life and, fortunately, was accompanied by a truly wonderful wife. She made all the problems a lot more insignificant. I am very proud of you and your brothers and hope each of you will enjoy good health. I hope I have helped a few people during my journey." Garland's journey began with his birth in his parents' home in Marble, Arkansas on November 15, 1927. At Huntsville High School; he met Jessie Mae Boatright. She became the love of his life. He and his younger brother were the first two people from Marble to go to college. The University of Arkansas appeared to be his only option until their local congressman told Logan about USMA and suggested that Garland apply. He entered the Academy in 1947. Garland knew he had to work hard. He played hard too, finishing 17th in his class in physical education. His athletic success was a reflection of a lifelong love of team and outdoor sports. Garland grew up hunting, fishing, playing baseball, and, in high school, basketball. Throughout his cadet years, he always spent his leaves at home in Arkansas hunting, fishing, and courting Miss Boatright. Graduation Day was also Wedding Day for Garland and Jessie. Garland dedicated most of his adult life to the Army. His service spanned more than 21 years, three continents, one Cold War and two "hot" ones. He first saw combat as a mortar platoon leader with the 224th Infantry in the Korean War. For several years afterward, Garland served as an instructor at the Infantry School and as a company commander in the 29th Infantry. Ft. Benning, with its abundance of largemouth bass, became a second home. Though he never made the cover of Life, nor would he have wanted to, he saved some 8"x10" out-takes by one of its photographers in a family album. One shows Garland as Operations Officer for 2d Battle Group, 6th Infantry, on the night construction began on the Berlin Wall, near Checkpoint Charlie. He is shown studying a map under jeep headlights, while a group of anxious Berliners look on. A second photo shows a group of American officers silhouetted in the glare of floodlights, while a Soviet crane lowers a section of concrete into place. After Berlin, the Army selected him for the Air Force CGSC, followed by an assignment with the faculty at the Air Force Academy. In Viet Nam, Garland commanded an Infantry battalion in the 198th Brigade and served as a division staff officer for the 23rd Infantry Division (AMERICAL). His performance under fire in Korea and Viet Nam earned him two awards of the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and an Air Medal. Given his penchant for habitual honesty and integrity in all his dealings, Garland's service on the division staff and a tour in the Pentagon left him disillusioned and somewhat bitter at the plummeting standards he witnessed in the Army he loved so dearly. He retired in 1970, and moved home to Arkansas, establishing himself within 40 miles of his boyhood home. Garland finally became a "Razorback," earning a master's degree in mathematics education from the University of Arkansas. He began a second career in public education teaching math to middle-schoolers. Garland created a bit of a name for himself among Fayetteville's adolescents by bringing West Point techniques of daily recitation and grading to his junior high classrooms. Years after he retired from teaching in 1984, it was not unusual for former students to stop him on the street and thank him for his disciplined, no-nonsense approach. His second retirement gave Garland plenty of time to devote to sports. During his tour at the Air Force Academy in the mid'60s, he added golf to his list of favorites. He continued to perfect his game for many years, and won his country club's championship at the age of 52. He also enjoyed fishing and lifting weights. For 43 years, Garland and Jessie were apart only when the Army, fishing, or golf, forced temporary separations. Together, they raised four sons. He instilled a love of education in his sons, and took great satisfaction in seeing each graduate from college. Following a brief illness, Garland Logan Owens died quickly, quietly, and unexpectedly, in his sleep in the early hours. Jessie, as she had for most of his adult life, attended him even in death. Garland was passionate about everything he did.

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