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Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade
For Massons, service to country is a family affair
May 31, 2007

Bob Masson and his two sons, Ken and Rob, have more in common than just a last name.

All three have served as pilots in the United States Navy, and all three were part of this weekend’s Memorial Day parade on Sound Beach Avenue.

“I got the whole thing started,” Bob said last Friday in an interview with the Post. “I was a Navy pilot when I graduated from college 50 years ago. I’ve got my 50th reunion coming up next week.”

Bob’s younger son, Rob, attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served for nine years, later attending Harvard Business School.

After more than 18 years, Ken is still in the Navy. The Maryland resident and commander is currently stationed at the Pentagon after a year-long training mission in Iraq.

Ken was asked by the Army to visit the war-torn country and teach soldiers how to use new “electronic countermeasure equipment” — devices that “turn enemy defenses just to mush,” according to Bob.

“I was over there for a year with the Army,” Ken said. “It was challenging — long days and many hours working — but also very rewarding.”

Ken, who, along with his brother, marched directly behind the color guard in Monday’s parade, said morale is good in Iraq, despite ongoing challenges.

“Enthusiasm remains high,” Ken said. “They continue to work day in and day out trying to make Iraq a safe place. Contributing to that, being able to be a part of that effort, was a very rewarding experience, even after 20 years of service in the Navy.”

His father said Ken’s training program will help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.

“We’re mighty proud of this young man,” Bob said.

Ken said that even though his father was out of the service by the time he and his brother were born, the elder Masson was a big part of why they decided to become pilots.

“Certainly, having him as a role model helped growing up,” Ken said. “We both felt a sense of wanting to serve our country and give some of ourselves to what we see as our freedoms and the greatness of this country. That’s one of the reasons that led me to service.”

For his part, Bob said he wanted to be a pilot from childhood, when he idolized his next door neighbor, Gordon, a bombardier on a B-24 bomber in World War II.

While Gordon was overseas, young Bob would write him regularly, and one day, years after the war was over, the neighbor unearthed one particularly funny letter the boy had sent.

“Dear Gordon, if you’re shot down over Germany, would you please try to get me a German helmet and flight suit? Love, Bobby,” Bob said with a chuckle, quoting his letter.

Years later, he still admires those who choose to serve, and he said last weekend’s festivities were a nice way to say thank you to those who have sacrificed for their country.

“I’m a great fan of maintaining a strong defense, because that’s what truly allows us to preserve the incredible lifestyle and freedoms we enjoy in this country,” Bob said. “I think Veterans Day and Memorial Day are two wonderful opportunities nationwide to celebrate that.”

Ken agreed, adding that it was a special feeling to march down the streets of his hometown.

“What was running through my mind was, ‘What a beautiful day,’” he said. “It captures what America is all about, the whole town coming together and supporting the values we hold dear.”

“Marching down the street with the sun coming down and everyone waving flags was just incredible,” he added. “The whole reason we could do that is the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers over the years.”