Miles Murtha O'Brien Jr., graduation portrait
The Older Twin
Fifth child and older twin son of Miles Murtha O'Brien and Lillian Josephine Robertson. Born in 1946 in Caldwell, New Jersey — named for his father, the Brooklyn carpenter who built a life in the West Essex countryside. Miles Jr. grew up at 58 Central Avenue alongside his twin brother Michael, the youngest of six children in a household shaped by both love and loss.
Miles followed in the tradition of service that ran through both sides of the family, entering the United States Air Force where he rose to the rank of Colonel — the highest-ranking military officer in the O'Brien family.
Twin: With Michael Joseph O'Brien (younger twin)
Military: Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
Settled: Warner Robins, Georgia
Military Service
United States Air Force
Miles Murtha O'Brien Jr. served a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel — one grade above his twin brother Michael, who retired as Lieutenant Colonel. Together, the O'Brien twins represented the family's proudest military tradition.
By 1978, when their parents Miles and Lillian celebrated their golden wedding anniversary surrounded by nineteen grandchildren, both sons had already achieved the rank of Major. Their continued service would take them through the final decades of the Cold War and beyond.
Miles Jr. eventually settled in Warner Robins, Georgia — home to Robins Air Force Base — where his brother Michael also resides.
Additional details about Miles's specific assignments, stations, and service history are welcome additions to this page.
Family
Children of Miles Murtha O'Brien Jr.
Photo Gallery
Memories through the years
Documents & Clippings
Records, news clippings, and milestones
