Nine veteran brothers bond over shared service

Megan Becker, Chillicothe Gazette
·3 min read

CHILLICOTHE ― Siblings oftentimes choose to follow in each other's footsteps. One remarkable example of this is the Foster family, where nine of the 10 siblings served in the armed forces.

The family grew up in Washington Court House. Their father, Robert Foster, was from Washington Court House and their mother, Louise Foster, was from Chillicothe. After high school graduation, nine of the siblings entered service. Three of the brothers spent over 20 years in service. All served in the Navy, with the exception of Dee who entered the Air Force, joking that he couldn't swim.

Donald Foster said the siblings joined the armed forces because there were limited options for his siblings post-graduation.

"There was very few jobs in Washington Court House for a young Black man. There was industry but there was not hiring Black men," Donald said. "Most of us went into the service to get a job, number one, and number two, the service taught us a job."

Donald Foster holds a blanket featuring his parents, Robert and Louise Foster, and his nine siblings in his home in Chillicothe on July 11, 2023.
Donald Foster holds a blanket featuring his parents, Robert and Louise Foster, and his nine siblings in his home in Chillicothe on July 11, 2023.

  • Robert "Bobby" Foster Junior began service in the Navy in 1946.

  • Dee Foster began service in the Air Force in 1949.

  • David Foster began service in the Navy in 1951.

  • Max Foster began service in the Navy in 1952.

  • Donald Foster began service in the Navy in 1956.

  • Clark Foster began service in the Navy in 1955.

  • Larry Foster began service in the Navy in 1957.

  • Raney Foster began service in the Navy in 1958.

  • Aaron Foster began service in the Navy in 1960.

The second-youngest and the only female sibling, LuAnn Ford, is the only sibling who did not serve. She did, however, marry a marine.

Donald humorously shared that during his upbringing, he enjoyed "plenty of protection" from his siblings, and he cherished the strong camaraderie and unwavering support they provided. He fondly recalled always having someone by his side.

Today, the siblings keep in constant contact with each other, calling each other at least once per month, sending each other birthday cards (enclosed with $2) and having several family reunions each year.

With 28 children and an abundance of grandchildren in the family, several reunions are a necessity to include everyone.

Rachel Foster, Donald's wife, attributes the siblings' kindness and report to the way they were raised.

"They had a very close-knit family. Their mother was very affectionate. She hugged everybody, and consequently, they are the same way," Rachel said. "She exemplified love all the time for everybody around her and their father, too. So that's why it was a loving family."

Dee Foster holds a photo of his parents, Robert and Louise Foster, in brother Donald Foster's home in Chillicothe on July 11, 2023.
Dee Foster holds a photo of his parents, Robert and Louise Foster, in brother Donald Foster's home in Chillicothe on July 11, 2023.

All of the siblings have remained close through the years. Including Dee and Donald, now Chillicothe residents, who are taking the honor flight together in September. The brothers are going on the free daylong Washington DC trip through Honor Flight Columbus to visit their service and war memorials.

Donald said he is most looking forward to the "camaraderie" with his fellow veterans aboard the flight and talking about their shared experiences in the service.

As the Foster family continues to live out their lives, their legacy of service and togetherness will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe, Ross County veteran brothers bond over shared service