MARION, OH – (August 14, 2008) Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 is proud to announce that one of its members, Marion F. Owens Jr., has been named “Elk Veterans Volunteer of the Year” in Ohio by the Ohio Elks Association. Owens received a plaque in his honor by the Ohio State Elks State President Jack Minarchick at the last state convention held in Dublin, Ohio.
Owens has served as Marion Elks Lodge Veterans Chairman for the past 4 years, and has been the North Central District Veterans Chairman for the past 3 Years. He is the current Veterans Representative for the National Elks Grand Lodge to the Ohio Veterans Home and the VA Clinic, both in Sandusky, Ohio.
At the Ohio Veterans Home, Owens spearheaded an effort to create a “Special Care Park” to allow residents a quiet, serene, safe and secure outdoor area. He personally raised over $6000.00 towards the $ 12,000.00 project, donating the funds that he receives from playing his bagpipes at different occasions. He visits the veteran’s home at least twice each month to make sure their needs are met.
A veteran himself, Owens is a US Army Special Forces Retired Officer (Aviation) with 23 years of honorable service. Here in Marion he works with local veterans projects, including visiting and working with veterans in our local rest and nursing homes. He is responsible for the Marion Elks Adopt-A-Vet Program. Owens is active with the VFW, American Legion, and the Viet Nam Veterans Museum Education & Reunion Center Inc. Every year he participates with Grant Middle School and their 3 day salute to American Veterans, where he is known for his coined phrase
“Have You Hugged a Vet Today?”
In addition, Owens has been the Color Guard Captain for many of the Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day ceremonies at our local community veterans’ activities.
Marion F. Owens Jr. has been an Elks member in three states for 31 years. He has been Exalted Ruler for two different Lodges, a District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler twice, and state president of the Arkansas State Elks Association.