'Reach out to your veterans' | Remembering to honor those who have served our country

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ahead of Veterans Day, we recognize the heroism and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country. One veteran, who runs a Charlotte area business, wants to remind other vets that there are people willing to help.

Bill Osborne was a Lieutenant in the Army, and his son, who is also named Bill Osborne, was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps. 

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The father and son say more needs to be done to help vets, especially those who served in Vietnam.

The elder Osborne is a purple-hearted Vietnam veteran. Working in a Signal Corps, he lived in a tent overseas for almost a year at 23 years old.

“No one cared, it was like, so you served, big deal, now what are you going to do with the rest of your life," Osborne said. “There’s a saying that says what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,"

But there are causalities of war you don't often hear about. The VA says veterans are more likely to experience trauma and adjusting to life after the military can be difficult.

“A lot of times the veteran isn’t going to stand up and say, I need help,” Osborne said.

The father and son duo said that a special thank you to those who served on behalf of a grateful nation means more than people think. 

“Reach out to your veterans and make sure you’re taking care of anyone you know is a veteran, just check in on them," Osborne said.

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Osborne, the son, was deployed to Iraq in 2005. Now, he has his own company called Right at Home, helping care for the elderly, including veterans. 

“Compassion or someone who needs a lot of personal assistance of daily living,” Osborne said. 

They hope others in the community play their part by honoring those who have served. 

If you're a veteran you can visit this link for resources. 

Contact Lexi Wilson at lwilson@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.