Michael Joseph O'Brien, graduation portrait
The Younger Twin
Fifth child and younger twin son of Miles Murtha O'Brien and Lillian Josephine Robertson. Born in 1946 in Caldwell, New Jersey, alongside his twin brother Miles Murtha Jr. Michael grew up in the close-knit O'Brien household at 58 Central Avenue in Caldwell, where their father worked as a carpenter and their mother kept the family together through joy and loss alike.
Michael followed his twin brother into the United States Air Force, where he served a distinguished career retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He married Jacqueline Petras — granddaughter of Slovak immigrant George Petras, whose journey from Orechová to Newark is one of the family's great immigration stories.
Twin: With Miles Murtha O'Brien Jr. (older twin)
Married: Jacqueline Petras
Military: Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Settled: Warner Robins, Georgia
Military Service
United States Air Force
Michael Joseph O'Brien served in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before his retirement. His twin brother Miles Murtha Jr. also served in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel — making the O'Brien twins one of the proudest achievements of their parents' legacy.
By the time of Miles and Lillian's 50th wedding anniversary in 1978, both sons had already achieved the rank of Major. They continued their service careers, eventually retiring and settling in Warner Robins, Georgia — home to Robins Air Force Base.
Additional details about Michael's specific assignments, stations, and service history are welcome additions to this page.
The O'Brien Family
Children of Michael & Jacqueline O'Brien
The Petras Family Connection
Jacqueline Petras is the granddaughter of George Petras, who left the Slovak village of Orechová at age eighteen and sailed to America in 1909. George settled in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, married fellow Slovak immigrant Mary Kuklisak, and built a family whose American story would eventually intersect with the O'Briens.
Read George Petras's Story →Photo Gallery
Memories through the years
Graduation portrait
Pilot Training
Mike the Flirt
Petras & O'Brien Family
Arch of Swords
The Escape
Mike and Jackie
Mike and Jackie
Final Full Family
Mike's Clan
📷 Mike's Clan Photo Album
Browse and contribute to the family photo collection — from Air Force days through family gatherings and beyond.
View & Add Photos →Documents & Clippings
Records, news clippings, and milestones