Shane Osborn was raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, by his single mother Diana. It was in the small, close-knit community of Norfolk that Diana helped Shane develop his Midwestern work ethic, taught him the value of neighbor helping neighbor, and instilled in him a strong and unyielding faith in God that would prove invaluable later in life.

Shane attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a Naval ROTC scholarship and earned a degree in mathematics and statistics. Then, Shane attended flight school where he graduated at the top of his class. He was assigned to the elite Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One, otherwise known as “World Watchers,” and began flying classified surveillance missions all across the world.

On April 1, 2001, Shane gained international recognition when his EP-3 experienced a mid-air collision with a Chinese fighter jet over international airspace. The impact severely damaged Shane’s aircraft, causing it to lose over 8000 feet in an inverted dive.

Shane regained control of his crippled plane and was able to safely land it on the Chinese island of Hainan. For twelve days, Shane and his 23 crew members were held hostage by the Chinese Communist government. During this dark time, Shane credits his ability to maintain calm and help protect his crew by his deep faith in God and unwavering loyalty to America.

For his heroism, Shane was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and achievement in flight.

In September 2001, after terrorists struck the shores of the United States, Shane extended his tour in order to participate in the War on Terror and flew combat missions in Afghanistan where he received additional decorations for his bravery.

In 2006, Shane became one of the youngest Treasurers in Nebraska state history. A proud fiscal conservative, Shane’s judgment is guided by a simple but unrelenting core philosophy: government must be responsible, efficient and completely transparent.

In 2007, Shane established a state record by returning more than $13.2 million in unclaimed property and created NebraskaSpending.gov: a public, searchable website that discloses many aspects of state government spending.

Shane lives in Omaha with his three wonderful children: Avery, Isabella, and Addison.

To reach Treasurer Osborn, contact the Treasurer's office, at (402) 471-2455, or email us