Retired Illinois National Guard Colonel From Champaign Awarded Legion of Merit

Illinois Army National Guard Col. Jason Osberg of Champaign has been awarded the Legion of Merit.

Osberg, a civilian airline pilot, retired from the Army in August after more than 33 years of service including as an aviation lift company commander in Iraq and as an operations officer in Kosovo . His last assignment was as Commander of the Peoria-based 65^th Troop Command Brigade. The 65^th oversees an artillery battalion, aviation battalion and other aviation companies, a civil support team, a digital liaison detachment, a public affairs detachment, a cyber defense team, military intelligence units, and an Army band. These units are spread throughout Illinois.

The Legion of Merit is awarded by the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Homeland Security to award members of the Armed Forces for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding service. In order of precedence, it is awarded after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. The Legion of Merit is awarded to those in key positions of responsibility and power for their service and achievements.

Col. Osberg lives in Champaign with his spouse, Hannah, and their son, Wilson.