MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Senior Chief Petty Officer John Osborne, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky, recently reenlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years serving with the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) in Millington, Tennessee.
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Senior Chief Petty Officer John Osborne, right, recites the oath of reenlistment during a ceremony held at the Navy Office of Community Outreach in Millington, Tennessee. |
Osborne, a 1993 graduate of Western Hills High School, joined the Navy 26 years ago. Additionally, Osborne graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
"I joined the Navy because I needed discipline and direction in my life," said Osborne. "I felt I was drifting with no real purpose. I was working a dead-end job and I wanted more out of life for myself and my family."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Frankfort.
"Growing up in Frankfort, you learn very quickly that if you want to experience the world, you had better leave when you get the chance," said Osborne. "Don't get me wrong, it was a nice and relatively safe place to grow up, but I knew there was more out there. So many people from Frankfort go away to college, but they always come back and end up staying there with the same people they grew up with. That's great for them if that's what they want, but I wanted to meet people from other places and see what else the world had to offer. You can't be afraid to take a chance in life."
Today, Osborne serves as a mass communication specialist responsible for writing and producing print and broadcast journalism, news and feature stories for military and civilian newspapers, magazines, television and radio broadcast stations.
NAVCO connects Americans with their Navy. With most of the Navy's personnel and equipment logically concentrated on America's coasts, NAVCO oversees a number of community outreach programs designed to bring America's Navy to cities throughout the country which do not enjoy a significant Navy presence.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Osborne serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Osborne has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"My greatest accomplishment was being promoted to chief petty officer in 2008," said Osborne. "I could have come into the Navy as an officer and there were several times I was encouraged to apply for a commissioning program in my first eight years, but I wanted to take a seat in the Chief's Mess. I wanted to always be working alongside the enlisted sailors and guiding them along in their careers. Some very good chiefs did that for me as I was learning the ropes, and I wanted to give back to others. The greatest thing about being a chief petty officer is that every day you have a chance to change a sailor's life."
Osborne can take pride in serving America through military service.
"Serving in the Navy means I am part of something bigger than myself," said Osborne. "The Navy is like a second family to me. It has given me the means to provide for my children and it has given me the chance to grow as a person. There is nothing like the feeling of knowing an organization as powerful as the U.S. Navy has your back."
Osborne is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I have to first thank all of the sailors and officers, past and present, who have made my career successful," added Osborne. "From the newest recruit to the saltiest chief or commanding officer, I have learned and gained great experience from all of them. I want to thank my grandfathers, Eldon Osborne and Bill Martin, who both served in the Navy during WWII. They have both passed on now, but they were there when I joined and understood more than anyone else in my family how good the Navy would be for me. I want to thank my parents, John and Kay Osborne, for raising me with a solid moral compass, giving me endless opportunities to succeed and never giving up on me, even when I gave them every reason to do just that. Most of all I want to thank my wife, Marisa, and my three sons, Christopher, Curtis and Ryan. Chris and Curtis have both married wonderful ladies and have made me the proudest grandfather in the world with their children, Landon and Becca. Without their love, understanding and support, I could not have done or continue to do what I do."
During Osborne's illustrious career, he has earned three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist insignias.