William B. Owenby
About the donor:
BA English; L Co. - 2nd Bn Clerk; L Co. - Asst 1Sgt/Commander
After commissioning and military service in the U.S. Army (and overseas travel in Europe) - Mr. “Barry” Owenby was employed by the General SErvices Administration National Capital Region, where he served as a senior procurment officer and contracts manager for design and construction of Federal office buildings/courthouses in the D.C. area. In 1996, he supervised contracting efforts to support the National WWII Memorial’s establishment, to include the Memorial’s design competition and ensuing contracts. During his tenure with the Federal government, Barry earned and maintained certificatino as a Professional Contracts Manager.
In 1997 he joined the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) to suppor the National WWII Memorial as the Director of Procurement and Contracting. In 2000, Barry was designated the Project Executive with responsibility for managing the Memorial’s design completion and construction, to include coordinating with the White House and relevant Congressional staffs. He authored and participated in drafting significant legislation regarding the Memorial (e.g. Public Laws 106-58, 106-398). The National WWII Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day weekend by President George W. Bush in 2004. Barry retired from federal service at the end of 2004, having received ABMC’s Distinguished Service Medal.
In March 2007, he was engaged to be the Project Executive for the American Veteran’s Disabled for Life Memorial. As the project lead, he led the design team in developing and finalizing the Memorial’s design, approved in 2010. Barry oversaw the Memorial’s construction, the Memorial was dedicated in October 2014. It is the first national memorial dedicated solely to disabled veterans, paying tribute to the hidden and visible disabilities from all conflicts and all branches of service.
Barry is a Life Scout, a Master Mason, and life member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Citadel Alumni Association.
Preferred Sword Disposition: L Co Cadet (Commander or XO if able)
This sword has been carried by:
| Name | Class of | Year Carried | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Page | 2024 | 2023-2024 | L Company Human Affairs Officer |
| Cadet Princess A. Lopez | 2025 | 2024-2025 | L Company Human Affairs Officer |