Political turmoil is something Jean Gosney of Belton is all too familiar with – yet never shies away from.

Gosney and her husband Robert (Bob), a retired US Colonel, have always called Texas home. Yet, a career in the military often meant long stints oversees and a reluctance for political activism – at least in the traditional sense.

Throughout their time as a military family abroad, as well as in civilian life back home in Belton, Gosney has dedicated herself to fighting for freedom and encouraging others to do the same.

In the late 70’s, her and her family moved to Liberia, where Col. Gosney led the military mission at the Liberian U.S. Embassy and Jean served in the embassy’s consular department. While living in Liberia, on April 12th, 1980, a military coup d’etat erupted where then-President William R. Tolbert, Jr. was violently killed and the government was overthrown.

Despite obvious unrest in the region and the evacuation of some embassy employees, Gosney continued to drive to work every day through an array of armed guards without question. Her bravery during and after the coup was recognized when she was awarded the Meritorious Honor Award by the U.S. State Department.

Since their return to Belton and after Col. Gosney’s retirement from the army, Jean has been confronting battles of a different form.

Through block-walking, phone banking, and an unrelenting work ethic, Gosney aided in the transition of turning Bell County from blue to red. And not too many years later, she was able to serve on campaigns even closer to home: her daughter’s campaign for State Representative and her son-in-law’s campaign for county sheriff.

Gosney is also actively involved in local and regional political organizations, many of which she served as president. Through groups such as the Central Texas Republican Women’s Club, the Republican Party, the Tea Party, and more, Gosney says she strives to encourage the “involvement of the everyday person in what is going on [politically] in the country.” The country that she says her husband, “gave his life every day for 32 years to keep free.”

Her patriotism has not gone unnoticed. In addition to receiving the Meritorious Honor Award, she received the Yellow Rose of Texas Award from Gov. Rick Perry and was recognized at the Empower Texans Conservative Leaders Gala.

While politics take up quite a bit of her time, Gosney also enjoys serving in other capacities, including her church’s women’s ministry, the Aggie Moms Club, the Youth Services Bureau, and a weekly book club. Saving the most important role for last – Gosney is a proud wife, mother of four, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of thirteen.

 

Lauren Melear

Lauren Melear leads the West Texas Bureau of Texas Scorecard. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, as well as cooking, working out, traveling to the hill country, and cheering on the fightin' Texas Aggies.

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