Cpl. Casey Owens Memorial Library
Cpl. Casey Owens Memorial Library was closed on December 31, 2025.
In November 2025, the shadowbox was returned to Casey’s mother. Casey’s friends in attendance at the Legacy of Freedom Dinner surrounded her with love and support. Casey’s memory and legacy will live on forever because of the great man and Marine he was, and because his brothers and sisters in military service have gained a healthy mindset because of the library in his name.
We shall never forget Cpl. Owens and his service.
Marine Corporal Casey Owens
Marine Corporal Casey Owens, during his second deployment to Iraq in 2004, was injured when his vehicle struck two anti-tank mines, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg above the knee and his left leg below the knee. After going through numerous surgeries and rehab for his physical wounds Casey began dealing with the severe emotional wounds he received as well, many of which resulted from extreme survivor’s guilt after several follow Marines in his Platoon were killed in Iraq shortly after he was wounded. Casey, who would become a Paralympic Athlete and an advocate for the treatment of veterans, struggled with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for 10 years. Unfortunately, despite his many accomplishments, he eventually took his life.
Casey’s family donated his Marine Dress Blues and military Medals, his Boy Scout badges sash and other meaningful race and accomplishments badges to Impact A Hero. These were framed and displayed in the Impact A Hero Cpl. Casey Owens Library located at 2929 McKinney St, Houston. This special library was home to many leadership and personal development materials and books, veteran personal stories and other books authored by our heroes and patriots, all designed to impact a hero. In 2022, Impact A Hero expanded the libraries outreach by establishing annexes at Camp Hope and Skeleton Crew Adventures.
Casey Owens Memorial Library Book Recommendations
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
If you’re having trouble reaching your full potential, look at David Goggins who transformed himself from a depressed overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and a top endurance athlete in the world. Through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, he shares his story and how he has overcome hardship to live outside his 40% capabilities.
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
“What makes high-achievers different?” Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of “outliers” and his answer to that question is we pay too little attention to where they are from: their culture, their family, their generation, and their idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
First published in 1988, Covey layouts a model or steps to take live life effectively and get closer to the ideal of being a “success” in life. Many leaders have recommended this book and is applicable at any stage in your life.
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Robbins will give you a tool to become your greatest self, using the science of habits, stories and surprising facts from our historic past, art, and business. The secret is knowing how to make yourself do it.
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Author of another highly recommended book throughout any military career “Leaders Eat Last”, Sinek dives into people, organizations, businesses, and influential leaders and just how they inspired those around them to achieve remarkable things. If you are in a transition in your life (active to veteran, jobseeker to entrepreneur), this book will help make your picture clear.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Originally written in 1937, Hill gives us timeless information, advice, and words of wisdom in one of the greatest personal development books ever published. He even states himself, if you only were to read Chapter 2 and apply what you have read, you will become successful.
You Are A Badass: How to stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Sincero gives us easy to read chapters full of inspiriting stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and humor. This book will help you identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that have been stopping you from getting what you want