Meet the Kentucky Army National Guard's newest colonel!

Story and photos by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 10, 2010) — Karlas Owens received the silver eagles representing the rank of colonel in a November 7 ceremony at the National Guard Association of Kentucky building in Frankfort.  On hand to pin on his rank were his wife, Lisa and Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general of Kentucky.

Owens, a member of the military for nearly 34 years, is the commander of the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Muhlenberg County.  A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle, he is also the deputy counterdrug coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard and a former commander of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry.

Owens is a native of Laurel County where his mother, Dorothy Owens, and his four brothers still reside.  He and his wife currently live in Lawrenceburg.

Friends and family were on hand to celebrate the promotion of Karlas Owens to the rank of colonel.

###