Serving in the shadows

On these days such as Independence Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day, most of America gives thanks to 'those who served to protect our freedom', and this is a very good thing.
Typically, this is given with the image of men in combat, in fatigues with guns in hand.

I served in the United States Air Force, on Combat Crew in a launch Silo for the largest Nuclear Weapon that the US had in its arsenal at the time.

9 underground levels of extremely toxic and explosive chemicals, and Nuclear destruction on a scale of which most of you have no concept.

^{↑At the base of the silo in the "W" looking up, if the missile had been home, you would be seeing the twin engine nozzles there↑}

You didn't and still don't hear about our service.

^{↑The Missile Control Center↑}

^{Me, in about 1978, SAC NCO of the Month}

Think about all those who are serving right now, on secret missions, in secret and completely hidden facilities, doing things we (even me) can't imagine.

^{↑Our Squadron uniform patch: "the Ace in the hole"↑}

We were those who served in the shadows, working to keep us all safe.
We all thank you for your support and your understanding, when some of us don't assimilate so well when we returned to civilian life.

Thank you

"Serving in the Shadows"

^by
Jerry E Smith
©07/04/2022
Images are either mine or public images
Gathered from the Titan II museum site.






^{Self Portrait from about 1978}