Joshua Edward Owings receives QOVF quilt

From left to right
Teri Devine, Alene Fischer (Josuha's grandmother)

and Joshua.

 
Joshua Edward Owings receives QOVF quilt

On June 26, 2013, Sgt Joshua E. Owings was honored by the Quilts of Valor Foundation and the Idaho VFW for his almost 11 years 1 month service in the U.S. Army, serving three tours in Iraq.  Presenting the quilt was Teri Devine with the Quilts of Valor Foundation group in Nampa, Idaho.

He retired from the Army early be- cause of medical issues. His shoulder had to be re- constructed while in the Army. Then after a terrible accident in Georgia, he survived with some serious injuries to his back, ribs, pelvis, spleen and kidney.  He is in very good spirits and looks forward to the future.
Joshua says he had a good experience and would probably be in jail if he hadn’t gone off to serve his country. His advice for young people considering the military he says to "do your research and keep your options open. You won’t enjoy it or gain as much from the experience if you just go in blindly." 

Joshua said the original plan upon in- listing was to serve one hitch, see some of the world and get out. But after going into combat with his fellow soldiers he felt he couldn’t leave back without him. “It’s a family, you’ve got each-other’s back. You depend on each other the way no one outside of the military will ever understand,” he says.

Joshua has a chest full of awards, the list of which are:
Army Commendation Medal (2nd award)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Army Superior Unit Award
Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award)
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star (2nd Award)
Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award)
Combat Infantryman Badge

Expert Infantryman Badge

The ladies and gentleman at the Parma Senior Center gave Joshua a welcome home that he described as “outstanding, incredible,” later he added “overwhelming”. At the ceremony in the Parma Senior Center Herb Endicott, Idaho VFW District Commander chapter read an outline of Joshua's service to our country. He invited  Joshua to join the VFW his fellow soldiers to go and said “You are one of us now, let us know if we can do anything for you. Let us know if you need anything.”

Also present to make this presentation special were Joshua’s mom, Carolyn "Kari" Blackmore and her husband Brian, Joshua’s daughter,  Breaunna, came from Spokane to surprise her dad.  Josh's Uncle John Owings along with his son, Garrett, came from Weiser, Idaho. Joshua also has a son Trevor who lives in Seattle and was unable to attend. Representatives from the Parma Fire, Police, and Ambulance crews were also present, along with the VFW groups from New Plymouth, Wilder and Payette, Idaho.  The Parma Senior Center was PACKED with people honoring Josh.

“Today, this has got to be the best welcome home a man could get,”he said “The first time I came home, it was just my family. But this time, it’s amazing, the whole dang town!”

Welcome home Joshua Owings and thank you for all you have done for us.