Shortly after filing as a Congressional candidate, Riley paused the campaign to complete two weeks of active duty service as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. He completed intelligence school and earned a ‘Sharpshooter’ qualification on the M16. 

When asked what made him decide to serve, Riley said, “I’m proud to be an American, and I believe every generation has a responsibility to contribute to the rich legacy we’ve inherited. I refuse to become another talking-head in DC who has only read white-papers and lacks real experience.” 

He continued, “If I’m going to be entrusted to one day be in a position where my decisions impact the brave men and women in our Armed Forces, then I feel a personal responsibility to serve and experience it myself, to know what it’s like for me and my family.”

Riley has served as an officer in the Navy Reserve for over two years. He took his oath of office in the Utah State Capitol in January 2024 though began his service overseas while studying as an Eisenhower Scholar at the University of Oxford. 

When asked how he balances military service with a congressional campaign, he replied, “Sure, the timing may have been inconvenient, but service isn’t meant to be convenient. It’s a sacrifice, and I’m honored to be able to make it. I’m glad to be back, and now it’s time to get to work earning Utahn’s trust.”

Disclaimer: Riley Owen is a member of the Navy Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of War.