Rob Ostenberg is 2009 DKA Award Winner

Presented annually, the Principia Alumni Association David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award (affectionately known as the DKA Award) recognizes alumni who have rendered outstanding service to others in the spirit and example set by David K. Andrews. That’s exactly what Rob Ostenberg (US’65, C’69) has don

The values Principia reinforced for Rob when he was a student at the Upper School and College have remained with him for life. In fact, they’re the same values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—he stressed to his soldiers during his 39-year military career.

After graduating from the College, Ostenberg enlisted as a private in the Army. He later completed Infantry Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant, serving in Vietnam as platoon leader in both infantry and cavalry. Following active duty, he transferred to the Army Reserve. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star (Valor), and the Purple Heart. His final duty was as director of Reserve Forces for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Rob retired from the Army in late 2008 as a two-star general, but he continues to work as a civilian at Metropolitan Life, providing estate planning and pension guidance. Rob is also active on several local boards, and is an advisor to a non-profit that deploys humanitarian resources to Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently a member of the Principia Trustees’ Council, Rob has also served as an Alumni Board member and Principia Club president.