Warrior Dedication; Chickasaw veteran committed to helping fellow vets

This article appeared in the March 2016 edition of the Chickasaw Times

Rebecca Owens’ identification as Chickasaw began as a young girl, when her grandmother Oteka Wires, and her mother Paula Wellings told her about her Chickasaw heritage.

“I wanted to always wear braids in my hair and moccasins on my feet,” Mrs. Owens said. “I wanted everyone to know I was Chickasaw, and I was too young to understand the deeper meaning.”

Chickasaws have been known throughout history as great warriors and strong community builders. Ms. Owens is a proud Chickasaw citizen and veteran who, after a career in the U.S. Navy, continues to serve by assisting veterans. In many ways, she is honoring her heritage.

Her father, Thomas E. Fear, served as a U.S. Air Force aviation photographer. Her daughter, Megan Leigh Gramm, is serving in the USAF, and her son, Derek Miles Campbell, is a U.S. Navy air crewman.

Mrs. Owens’ Chickasaw grandmother and Italian grandfather met in the U.S. Army.

“How they ended up together is a puzzle to me,” she said. “My grandfather was a gregarious linguist. My grandmother was a soft-spoken nurse.”

In the 1980s, when Mrs. Owens began her pursuit of a military career, “billet” assignments for women were fewer than those for men. She learned this while meeting with recruiters of various branches before enlisting. In this case, billet refers to a spot assigned, based on pay-grade, training or gender.

“I wanted to be in law enforcement,” she said, “so I was working three jobs while going to community college for a degree in criminal justice. In Ohio, where I lived with my mom at the time, you had to be 21 to be a law officer. I was only 18.

“I did not want to wait and continue working three jobs to pay for school.”

Her interest in law enforcement influenced her decision to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard.

“They were my first choice, but there was a long wait,” Mrs. Owens said. “My next application was to the U.S. Marine Corps, with a six-month waiting list.”

She eventually enlisted with the U.S. Navy and was placed on a “delayed entry.”

“Two weeks later, I enlisted,” she said. “Two weeks after that, I was on my way to boot camp.”

In April 2014, she retired as a U.S. Navy master chief petty officer after 30 years of service to her country.  During her military career, she served in both Persian Gulf Wars and earned numerous citations, including a Meritorious Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, four Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals and five Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

Retirement has been somewhat challenging.

“I miss the interaction with sailors,” she said. “When you are the master chief, you have daily contact with the crew. Part of the job is mentoring sailors and helping them with their issues, personal and work-related. The responsibilities range from counselor to advisor to personal financial consultant and life coach.

“Many sailors leave home for the first time in their lives when they join the service. They come with the skills they grew up learning. Some have more experience than others. Some have never balanced a checkbook.”

Two months after retiring, Mrs. Owens accepted a job with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Washington, D.C. She helps veterans through the appeals process in cases where they have been denied benefits. The majority of claims are for disabilities, she said, but some claims are related to education or burial benefits.

“Services are available, at no charge, through the VFW, and other organizations,” she said. “Veterans should use a service organization to assist with the application process, as well as appeals and advocacy. They are free, and Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are the best advocates.”

Each state has its own VSO. The most recent directory with a full list of contacts by state is available on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov/vso/, or by calling (800) 827-1000.

Mrs. Owens became interested in training and education during her military service. She holds a master’s degree in education and is currently working on the dissertation for her education Ph.D.

“I got the training bug when I was an E-3 and decided to pursue a Ph.D. because I wanted to teach at the college level,” she said.

One of Ms. Owens’ favorite quotes is attributed to the Greek philosopher Plato: “Apply yourself both now, and in the next life. Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land be good, you cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation.”

Warrior Society

At the Chickasaw Nation’s First Annual Veterans Conference at WinStar World Casino in May, 2015, plans for a Veterana’ Lodge and Warrior Society were announced by Gov. Bill Anoatubby.

The Warrior Society will be a social organization for active-duty military and veterans of Chickasaw heritage. It is planned to allow for interaction among Chickasaws who share a common bond of service to their country.

Each veteran has a story, and many have overcome challenges that may be shared by comrades. Helping peers through sharing of experiences is one goal of the social gatherings. These gatherings are planned around the U.S., similar to Chickasaw Community Council gatherings.  

For more information, email Warrior.Society@Chickasaw.net or call Chickasaw Nation Social Services at (580) 436 7246.