Anzac Day holds a special place in the heart of Charlotte Osman, Internal Communications Manager at Babcock Australasia. Coming from a multi-generational military family, with a long-term connection to air force and navy, acknowledging the service of others is very important to her.
“My paternal grandfather was in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, which went on to become the Royal Air Force. That set a tradition for the family, as we’ve now had several generations in the air forces of several nations.
His eldest son, my Uncle Bill, took up the baton by joining the RAF, while my dad joined the Royal Navy at 16 before migrating to Australia in 1959, where he joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an armourer.
My eldest sister served in the Belgian Air Force for 26 years until she moved back to Australia, and both of her children are currently serving in the Belgian military (air force and navy) – they’re our fifth generation.
My own ‘military’ experience was as an Army wife, married to a medic who served in Iraq and Bosnia. The families are a crucial part of the military community, which is why I support Legacy each year.
I attend Anzac Day dawn services in Sydney or Adelaide, I’ve also attended one in New York. It’s a time for reflection, particularly remembering my Great-uncle John, who was captured in Crete during World War Two, and my mum’s brother, who was a submariner.
I see my work at Babcock as a way of being part of my family’s military tradition, even though I’m well behind the scenes. What Babcock does is critical in supporting those who keep our nation secure and I’m proud to be able to contribute.”