Matthew Osborn (top) and Robert Osborn with sons Jake (red hair) and Ryan.
So far, Kearny’s VOICE project has identified “a little less than 30” households whose family members are serving in the military, reports American Legion Frobisher Post 99 service officer Keith McMillan.
To show support for the families of the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and to recognize their every day sacrifice, local families are given a “Blue Star Salute” emblem to place in the window of their home.
You’ll find three such stars at the Osborn residence on Linden Ave.
Fire Chief Steven Dyl assigned Deputy Fire Chief Bob Osborn to stand in for him at last month’s VOICE session. It happens that Osborn’s three sons, Robert, Matthew and Christopher, are all currently serving in the military.
Robert, 27, who has served with the Green Beret 7th Special Forces Group since 2005, has earned multiple combat medals and is now in Afghanistan doing his seventh tour; Matthew, 22, has put in more than three years with the 2/75th Ranger Regiment and has received the combat medal with V for Valor and Purple Heart; and Christopher, 26, is training with the 1/75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Ga.
“We’re very proud of all of them,” Bob Osborn said. “The units they’re in and the whole U.S. Army is the best trained and equipped fighting force on earth. Of course you worry as a parent … but [we feel that the] level of training, expertise, equipment and support that they get over there is second to none.”
“The Rangers are the ‘Mafia’ for the U.S. government,” Osborn said. “They’re kicking in doors. Every day, they’re over there on a mission to take someone out. They don’t guard convoys. The more mundane tasks are not assigned to these fellows.”
For all three young men enlisting “was their choice,” Osborn said. “They were always outdoor types, aggressive, go-getter kind of guys. The military was the perfect outlet for their tendencies.” Robert and Mat went in right after graduation. Chris joined up after several yrs of college.
“I’ve been in [the Army] for a year and I love it,” said Chris. “It’s rewarding to have people come up and thank you for what you’re doing. It’s very important to hear that.” At some point, Chris figures he’ll return to academic life. He’s got one semester to complete at Centenary College for a degree in history with a minor in political science.
When Chris’s brothers were still at Kearny High School, Robert and Matthew signed up for a sort of early entry military program which they attended several times a month and where they were exposed to things like land navigation strategies, military etiquette and the like, “so that when you get to boot camp you’re like one step ahead and you can concentrate on other things,” Osborn explained.
“They’re very dedicated [to their military mission],” Osborn said.
– Ron Leir
