By Patricia A. Douglas
Ryan Winslow Post 911

A member of Ryan Winslow Post 911 was recognized during the March membership meeting for a rare achievement.
Steve Owen has achieved 50 continuous years as a member of The American Legion.

After being drafted and reporting for duty in 1972, Owen trained as a cook. He was sent to Germany and ended up driving a truck. On June 18, 1974, he received his DD214 and headed back to his hometown of Winnebago, Minn. He joined Post 82 and began working as an electrician’s apprentice. After a few years, he started his own electrician business, but the responsibility got to be too much.

“I was burned out,” he said.

Owen and his family moved to the Savannah, Ga., area, where he was employed by the former Fort Howard Paper Company in the late 1980s. They moved to the Birmingham area when he began working for BE&K. Currently, he does electrical safety and code training.

Although he moved away from his home post, he continued to support it with his membership.

“I didn’t want to see them close, so I continued to be a member,” Owen said.

It was his connection to another organization that brought Post 911 to his attention.

Owen attends the monthly cruise-ins with Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club at Hoover Tactical Firearms. During these Saturday events, he met Peyton Ligon and other members of the post who were at the fundraising table. He became a member about a year ago.

“I like the way the meetings are run,” Owen said.

Post 911 Commander Lynn Thomas said he was honored that Owen shared this occasion with his post brothers and sisters.
Thomas presented Owen with a certificate from American Legion National Commander Daniel Seehafer. Post 911 Adjutant Ginger Branson presented a cake from the post.