54 Years of Military Service! Virginia Defense Force’s Longest-Serving Member Retires

On August 3, 2024, Lt. Col. (Va.) Peyton N. Owens Jr. was honored with the Virginia Defense Force (VDF) Distinguished Service Medal, marking his retirement after 40 years of dedicated service to the VDF. In a ceremony held at the VDF Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, commander of the VDF, hosted the event and presented the award. Owens, who is the longest-serving member of the VDF, was placed on the retired list of the Virginia militia, unorganized, as a colonel. His remarkable career began shortly after the VDF was reestablished in 1984, and his service included various key command and staff positions, culminating in his role as the G1 personnel officer. Owens also brought a wealth of experience from his previous service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the Virginia Army National Guard, totaling 54 years in uniformed service.

The Virginia Defense Force, like many State Defense Forces across the country, attracts a significant number of prior service veterans. These individuals often join to continue serving their country, driven by a deep sense of duty and the desire to contribute to their communities and state. For many, the VDF offers not just a chance to remain engaged in meaningful service but also an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of a close-knit, mission-focused organization. Through their involvement, these veterans make a tangible difference, whether through supporting state emergency response efforts, assisting with community events, or participating in various training and operational missions.

Thank you to Colonel Peyton Owens Jr. for his many years of service to Virginia and The United States!

Lt. Col. (Va.) Peyton N. Owens Jr. receives the Virginia Defense Force Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his 40 years of dedicated service to the Virginia Defense Force and is placed on the retired list of the Virginia militia, unorganized, as a colonel during a retirement ceremony Aug. 3, 2024, at the VDF Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, commander of the VDF, hosted the event and presented his award.

Owens is the longest serving member of the VDF, having joined soon after the organization stood back up in 1984. He previously served on active duty in the U.S. Army as well as the U.S. Army Reserve and the Virginia Army National Guard with a total of 54 years of uniformed service. During his 40 years of service in the VDF, he served in a variety of command and staff positions including inspector general, G3 training and operations officer, G4 logistics officer, G6 communications officer and finally as G1 personnel officer.