[Richard] We Grieve With Carryn Owens

Carryn Owens will forever be the face of modern era Gold Star Families following her recognition by President Trump during his address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Most of the more than 43 million Americans watching the speech felt their hearts break as the mother of three young children from Peoria, Illinois looked skyward and mouthed the words, "I love you, baby," as thunderous applause rose to the rafters from the House floor below.

Owens' husband, 37 year old decorated Navy SEAL, Service Chief Warfare Operator, William "Ryan" Owens, a member of the elite SEAL Team 6, was killed during a nighttime raid on al Qaada leaders in Yemen on January 29th.  President Trump approved of the raid, which was a holdover from the former Obama Administration.   Trump assured Owens' widow on Tuesday night that the raid was, "highly successful,"  and that it "generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies."

A nation weary of war was quick to wrap it's arms around Carryn Owens, grieving along with her for the loss of her dear husband, who, at that moment became the son, the daughter, the sibling, the friend or the neighbor that we all grieve for.  Her loss is our loss.  Her pain is our pain.  Too many of our heroes have been lost over the long years since 2001.

We pray that Carryn Owens feels the love of her nation and that it helps as she and her children move forward with the healing process.

We thank William "Ryan" and Carryn Owens and their children for their sacrifice and for making this a better place to be.