A Hero in Our Midst

A Hero in Our Midst

When we speak of heroes, our minds often turn to distant figures—people whose stories are preserved in history books or celebrated on national holidays. But sometimes, a true hero lives quietly among us, carrying a lifetime of extraordinary service with humility and grace. One such individual is Robert Branch “Bob” Bourne, a man whose life reflects dedication to family, country, science, exploration, and community.

Early Life and Education

Bob Bourne was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, graduating from Needham Broughton High School in 1960. Soon afterward, he began a path defined by discipline, curiosity, and commitment. In 1964 he married Teresa Kay Updegraff, embarking on a loving partnership that reached 61 years this year. Together they raised a family that now includes two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren—a legacy Bob treasures deeply.

His academic achievements are as impressive as his military career. Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from NC State University in 1964, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC. He later completed a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University in 1973 and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from Central Michigan University in 1975. These degrees would form the foundation of a remarkable career in aviation, engineering, and space operations.

Distinguished Military Service

Col. Bourne’s Air Force career began in the cockpit. He served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, and Moody AFB, Georgia, helping shape the next generation of pilots.

During the Vietnam War, he flew 199 combat missions as an F-100 Fighter/Bomber pilot, a testament to his courage and skill. His performance earned him some of the nation’s and Vietnam’s highest honors, including:

Legion of Merit

Distinguished Flying Cross

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm

Air Medal (with ten Oak Leaf Clusters)

Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters)

Air Force Commendation Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster)

And numerous additional awards

Following combat, Col. Bourne was selected for the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology Program. At Wright-Patterson AFB, he served as a Test Pilot and later managed the Electro-Optical Branch of Flight Test Engineering, contributing to the development of laser countermeasure systems designed to protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles—technology that continues to safeguard aviators today.

His career then transitioned to the nation’s space frontiers. Col. Bourne joined Space Launch Operations, managing contractor teams launching classified payloads aboard both Titan rockets and the Space Shuttle. His leadership eventually expanded to commanding all three of the Air Force’s Space Launch Groups, responsible for deploying communications, weather, and surveillance satellites into low-Earth and geosynchronous orbits.

After retiring as a Colonel (O-6) in 1990, Col. Bourne left behind more than a military career—he left a legacy woven into the safety, strength, and technological advancement of the United States.

A Second Career Among the Stars

Retirement from the Air Force was only the beginning. Col. Bourne continued his space-related work at Martin Marietta, later Lockheed Martin, where he managed engineering operations at the Titan rocket factory. He was soon reassigned to Cape Canaveral, leading the company’s space launch team in sending vital government payloads into orbit.

One of the highlights of his civilian career came when he served as Launch Director for the International Cassini Space Probe, the landmark mission that journeyed to Saturn and transformed humanity’s understanding of the outer solar system.

A Life of Service Continues

Col. Bourne retired in 2002, returning to North Carolina with Teresa. But his spirit of service never slowed. He poured his energy into Habitat for Humanity, his church, and other community efforts.

Today, Bob resides in Rumbling Bald and is an active member of the Fairfield Mountains Chapel, where he can be found singing with the choir on Sunday mornings—a peaceful contrast to the roar of jet engines and rocket boosters that once surrounded his days.

Conclusion

In Bob Bourne, we find not only a veteran and a leader, but a man whose life embodies integrity, devotion, and quiet excellence. His achievements stretch from the battlefields of Vietnam to the vastness of space—yet he remains humble, gracious, and sincerely committed to those around him.

He is, in every sense, a hero in our midst.

Photo: Col. Bob Bourne is shown here at the 2025 Lake Lure Veterans Day Program with Lake Lure Classical Academy students where he served as the Special Guest Speaker.

Photo courtesy of Clint Calhoun.