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!
Wow! Great story. Adapting to the challenges in Germany and Japan obviously served you well . . . You must have hit the ground running when you got home and started building a business. thanks for your years of service for the class of 1960 reunion events. Lee