In Memory of Father of 3-2-1 Area Code
WATCH: 3-2-1 Day was held Thursday, March 21, 2024, starting at 3:21 p.m. The ceremony, which honored the memory of Robert “Ozzie” Osband, AKA “Rocket Hobo,” was held at Space View Park in Titusville.
BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – I had the honor of attending 3-2-1 Day in Titusville to honor the memory of Robert “Ozzie” Osband, AKA “Rocket Hobo,” and the Father of 321 Area Code. What a fantastic tribute to a man that did so much for the Space Coast and the space industry. And fittingly enough, the ceremony started at 3:21 p.m.
If you ever attended a rocket launch from Space View Park, you knew Ozzie. He always let you know when it was time to “light the fuse,” or if it was a scrub!
Many individuals spoke about Ozzie and the impact he had on the Space Coast. Mark Marquette did a tremendous job as master of ceremonies inviting those in attendance to say a few words.
Karan Conklin, Executive Director of the American Space Museum and Walk of Fame, said this about Ozzie, “If you didn’t know Ozzie, you really missed out. He was such a character, and always kind, and would go out of his way for people. He loved launches and he loved the space program.”
Robert “Ozzie” Osband is missed, but his legacy will continue. Brevard County and especially those in the Titusville area will make sure of that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey.
Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 24 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
Related Story:HOT OFF THE PRESS! March 11, 2024 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper
The post WATCH: Hundreds Honor ‘Ozzie’ Osband During ‘3-2-1 Day’ at Space View Park in Titusville appeared first on Space Coast Daily.