Ron Troy, U.S. Air Force

I enlisted in the Air Force in July, 1961, and took my basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio.  After taking tests to see the fields that were open to me, I was picked to study Russian at Syracuse University.  But I did not pass the hearing test, so the next choice was as a Radio Intercept Analyst in the Air Force Security Service.  That meant tech training at Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, TX.  Graduating from tech school, our class (7 airmen with the self-appointed moniker of the “Magnificent Seven”) was picked for additional training at NSA. 

After receiving a top secret clearance, I went to Ft. George Mead, MD for training to decrypt the Russian’s new system of tracking their aircraft.  By having good grades in both of the schools, I was allowed to pick from the available assignments.  Darmstadt, Germany was my three pick.  During my training period, I received a couple of promotions.  I arrived in Germany in June, 1962.  The work was mentally challenging and since we were decrypting Russian communications, it was also exciting.

Traveling in Europe at Uncle Sam’s expense was a great benefit.  On a 30-day trip in 1963, a friend and I drove through Switzerland, France, Spain, and Monaco (spending my 21st birthday in Monte Carlo).  While in Darmstadt, I played football and was picked to coach a junior high team of American dependents.  What is significant about that is I was allowed to take my team to Berlin for a game.  This meant riding by train through East Germany.  Since I had top secret clearance, I was not allowed to travel under orders from my unit, so I was temporarily assigned to the Army and traveled under their orders – James Bond stuff.  What an experience for a kid from Wichita, KS!

In 1963, I was picked for a program offered by the Air Force that allowed me to receive a couple more promotions (more money).  So, I was returned to Goodfellow AFB to receive Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) training, then on to my new base on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, and the city of Wakkanai, twenty-seven miles from Russia.  On clear days I could see MIGs doing touch-and-goes.  Still a great travel opportunity for that Wichita guy.  My service ended in July, 1965.

Personal Notes: Although I have always thought that I played my part in the defense of our nation, I did not dodge any bullets nor was my life in danger at any time.   My time in the Air Force was a blessing with its many experiences.  Being on my own in foreign countries gave me a chance to grow up.  I was not like my father-in-law, who was awarded two silver stars, two purple hearts, and one bronze star.  Those are the persons who sacrificed for this nation. So I want to THANK YOU for honoring our veterans on this special day.   GOD BLESS AMERICA!