Colonel Jessica M. Owens, USMC, Retired

As a child, Jessica Owens never imagined her career would take her to active war zones across the world. But after she finished college, Jessica's Chickasaw warrior spirit led her to a record-breaking career with the U.S. Marine Corps.

"I knew that in order to survive in a male-dominated world, I was going to have to beat them at their own game, and I was going to thrive," says Col. Owens. She was the fifth woman in the history of the Marine Corps to fly the AH-1W Super Cobra, and the first woman pilot of that aircraft to earn the rank of Colonel. "That was quite a glass ceiling for me to break ... I showed the world that a woman could do it."

Col. Owens' 24-year career is defined by trailblazing successes and an unwavering dedication to serving the United States. From combat service in Afghanistan and Iraq to her work as an instructor and adjunct professor, Col. Owens left an enduring mark on Marine Corps Aviation before her retirement in 2023.

Since then, Col. Owens has settled in Virginia, where she rescues and trains horses that are in need. "I think that is a strong part of my Chickasaw heritage, in that their connection to horses—it's spiritual," she says.

Throughout her life, Col. Owens says her Chickasaw heritage and ancestors have guided her on her journey. Her deep connection to the Chickasaw people and her career as a modern-day Chickasaw warrior earned her an induction into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2026. "Being inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame has been the greatest honor that could have been given to me," she says. "[Being Chickasaw] means belonging to something that is greater than myself."