We were called Silent Warriors, which refers to any member of the United States Air Force Security Service. We all served in silence, whether in the air or on the ground.
Looking back at the Cold War years, it’s easy for many Americans to assume this was just a conflict in name only. Those of us in the USAF Security Service know better. In addition to what everyone knows about the political tensions, arms race propaganda, Gary Powers, Cuban Missile Crisis (in which I participated), etc., there was also the “hot side” of things in our little world as Silent Warriors.
I was born on May 18, 1943. As a kid growing up, I wanted to join the Air Force like my older brother. I enlisted after high school without any clear idea about what I wanted to do once I got in. Off to Lackland I went with my cousin and my best friend. We were ready to do whatever was necessary to win the Cold War. Basic training was pretty uneventful except that, because I was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America’s Air Explorer Program, I was made a squad leader. Unfortunately, my cousin and my best friend were in my squad.
After completing basic training, the Air Force sent me to Indiana University (to learn the Russian language). Eventually, I became fluent in English and Russian and able to communicate in Spanish, German and French.
After Indiana University, I was sent to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where I became a member of the Security Service (often abbreviated USAFSS). I was a Russian linguist and intercept spy.
We were told that we were culled from the cream of the Air Force’s enlisted recruits (the top ½ of 1%). We were also told, "Gentlemen, you are going to become spies.” (It should be noted that the activities of the USAFSS were declassified in 1997.) I am 83 and have very few regrets. However, I do regret that my parents passed without ever knowing what I really did in the Air Force.
When my bell tolls for the final time, my eyes are closed and I've been laid to rest, just be assured that I served with the best. With the flag as my shroud, I'll go to my grave as an American and still proud.