Owens, Darren G.

Head shot of man in US military uniform (Darren Owens)
Name: 
Owens, Darren G.
Title: 
Special Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard
Texas A&M Class: 
1973
Inducted: 
2008

Biography:

Darren G. Owens received a B.S. degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1973 and an M.S. degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2001.  While at Texas A&M, he was a distinguished student, received the ROTC Military Proficiency Award, and was inducted into the Alpha Zeta National Agriculture Honor Fraternity.  In two very significant ways, he has served his country over the past 35 years—as a leader in a government agency vital to the economic survivability of Texas farmers and ranchers and as a leader in the Army National Guard, helping protect our freedoms at home and abroad. 

After first attaining the rank of 2nd Lt. at Texas A&M University in 1973, Darren Owens was promoted to Brigadier General in 2003 in recognition of his exemplary military career over 20 years.  His military assignment since September 2007 has been Special Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard, in Arlington, VA.  In this role, he coordinates Army National Guard activities with the Joint Chiefs and Army staff, non-governmental agencies, and the 54 States and Territories relative to policies and special programs.  Also significant in his military career, General Owens served as Commanding General of the East Kosovo Multi-National Task Force from May 2005 until January 2007.  In that capacity, he was responsible for conducting complex peace enforcement operations under the terms of the UN Security Council Resolution.  He worked with U.S. embassies, Department of State, various senior civilian and military leaders, and international partners to achieve multiple objectives.  Prior to this tour of active duty, he served in numerous leadership capacities while in reserve status. He received numerous honors during his military career, including the Legion of Merit Award, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters). 

In his professional career with the Farm Services Agency (FSA) of the USDA, General Owens started in 1977 as a trainee in the state office.  He soon moved to the position of Executive Director at Ochiltree County (Perryton) in 1978 and was promoted to District Director in 1982 where he provided leadership to 14 county offices and oversaw all their budgets.  In 1991, he was promoted to Agriculture Program Specialist at the State Office in College Station and became responsible for all payment limitation program administration and for training, public information, and communications coordination.  Throughout his career in USDA, he has utilized effectively the skills that helped him deal successfully with conflicts and confrontations, as well as working with people from diverse backgrounds.  Since 1992, he has been the Supervisory Agricultural Program Specialist and has responsibility for implementation, administration, and oversight of the Price Support and Common Management Federal Agricultural Programs.  

General Owens is a native of Pecos, Texas and is the oldest of four children, born to Gene and Beatrice Owens.  He is married to Lori and they have four children, three daughters and a son.