Photo By Sgt. David Thomson | U.S. Army Pfc. Nathan Owens, a combat medic with the 108th Medical Company Area...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - For Pfc. Nathan Owens, a combat medic with the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, the path to service wasn’t straightforward but it was always calling.
For years, Owens envisioned a life in the U.S. Coast Guard. He took early steps toward that goal through the Academy Introduction Mission, a prestigious summer program at the Coast Guard Academy designed to expose and prepare the soon to be cadets to the academy. He was especially drawn to the hands on role of a boatswain’s mate.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Owens, like many, was forced to reevaluate. The world changed and so did his plans. He stepped back from the idea of military service and leaned into college life.
“I just kept thinking about it,” Owens said. “I first spoke with a Coast Guard recruiter but later looked into the Army."
Many of his family members wore the uniform and had some kind of medical background, Owens said. It made sense when he made his final decision to enlist and become a combat medic specialist.
"My stepfather served in the Army,” Owens said. “My great grandfather was a combat medic in World War II.”
In the future, Owens plans to advance his civilian medical career through flight paramedic or a diving medical technician training.
Owens was one of approximately 50 Soldiers with the 108th MCAS who participated in a comprehensive field medical exercise here July 15-19, 2025. Medics were tested on their responses to mass casualty incidents, treating sick Soldiers, medical evacuation and establishing different levels of field medical clinics.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.23.2025 11:06 |
| Story ID: | 543407 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP , PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Hometown: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Fort Indiantown Gap
