Caleb’s Grandfather the Late Pastor Emeritus Rev. Lefate Owens Sr. served in the United States Army from 1955-1958. He was a Specialist 4 (SPEC$) in the Signal Corps stations at Fort Gordon in Georgia. Caleb had one dream, follow in his footsteps. Whether that be community service, enlisting to serve the country, or serving God in any compacity, Caleb wanted and wants to do just that. Thankfully Caleb’s Grandfather was able to survive long enough to see Caleb serve his 8 years, 2 months, 26, 1 hour, and 12 minutes from start to finish before passing in Caleb’s home in Augusta, GA in May of 2024. He simply wanted to be his grandfather’s time in service, which he accomplished by more than 5 years.

After completing basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and then his MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) training at Fort Sam Houston, TX, he was assigned to the 2-151st Infantry Battalion in South Bend, IN. While in training, Caleb received his NREMT and was certified in the certifications that he taught soldiers later on in this passage. Caleb served the unit for 2 years (2016-2018) before moving to Georgia. He served as a 68W Combat Medic (Healthcare Specialist) and taught soldiers alongside other Combat Medics the basics of CLS (Combat Life Saver), BLS (Basic Life Saver), and CPR & AED Certifications. Caleb later decided to volunteer to attend a 3-day course to become a certified Resiliency Training Assistant and received his Blue Card.

Caleb also received his license to drive HMMVs, FLAs, Utility Trucks, and all forms of Tailors.

While also with the unit, Caleb volunteered for the Indiana State Ceremonial Unit, which opened up the opportunity for him to sing the national anthem at a college hockey game, football games, basketball games, as well as his largest accomplishment, singing for the Indy 500 Opening Day Festival Parade and road on the first float with the other singers.

Fun Fact: Caleb at one point was the ONLY 68W Combat Medic who was qualified to fire a 55 Caliber Weapon!

When Caleb relocated to Toccoa, GA, in 2018, he transferred to the 151 Engineer Battalion (HQ) in Winder, GA. There, he trained over 100+ soldiers on BLS, CLS, AED, &CPR techniques and had each of them certified while there. Caleb served with this unit for 2 years (2018-2020)

Fun Fact: The Georgia National Guard would not accept Caleb’s transfer unless he was promoted to CPL (Corporal) to fill an SGT (Sergeant) Slot. So, he was promoted CPL before leaving Indiana.

Caleb moved back to Indiana at the end of 2019 and was finally transfered back to the Indiana. When he was transfered, he extended another year (2020-2021) and was placed as the Ammo Sergeant of the 76th Brigade of Indiana but was attached to the I CO (India Company) of the 113th Engineer Battalion. He then received his HAZCOM certification allowing him to transport ammunitions in any military vehicle that could carry it. He also was licensed to drive FLAs, HMMVs, LMTVs, PLSs, Forklifts, and Utility Trucks.

Being licensed on all of those vehicles added to his position the responsibility of ensuring that the both the 113th Engineer Battalion’s and the 2-151st Infantry Battalion’s soldiers (600-800+) were licensed on the specific vehicles they needed to perform their jobs. Subsequently he not only was the Ammo Sergeant for the Brigade, but he was also all the Battalion Master Driver.

In 2020, Caleb accepted contracts from his civilian job (McDonald’s General Manager) which moved him to Philadelphia, PA from 8/2020-12/2020 and then later to Tampa, FL from 12/2020-4/2020. During that time the Guard was hosting virtual drills, so he did not have to be physically present to still be active.

In April of 2021 Caleb relocated to Atlanta, GA where he served the rest of his contract with the Indiana Army National Guard. He was discharged Honorably on September 16th, 2021, from the Guard and then enlisted Active Duty and then was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA on November 1st, 2021.

There, Caleb Completed the 26-week course to become a 25N (Nodal System Operator Maintainer) which a rigorous technology program. He learned the concept of binary coding, how to tear down and rebuild computers, how to run regular IT maintenance, as well as how to set up Area Networks and so much more. Caleb served in active duty until he received his general discharge on December 6th, 2022.

Fun Fact: Caleb continued fighting for better housing conditions on Fort Gordon with Senators John Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock.