After serving on active duty with the Air Force for 8 years, I spent 4 years in the Michigan Army National Guard in an Infantry unit. My experience as a Security Policeman was very beneficial when I became a Squad Leader when I served with Co. B 1/125th Infantry.
I have spent the last 20 years as a Police Officer and a Detective.
My oldest son is in the Air Force and is stationed in the UK.
My middle son is in the Army National Guard.
My youngest son is in the Army and is currently deployed.
Other Comments:
Some of my favorite quotes:
"A boss says go. A leader says let's go." (unknown)
"There are three types of leaders. One who makes things happen, one who watches things happen, and one who wonders what happened." (unknown)
"To succeed in life, you must carry your own ruck."
It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.' (unknown)
"If ya ain't cheatin, ya ain't tryin." (MSgt Paul Wheeler- 55th SPS, ABGD Flight Sgt- Volant Scorpion Deployment, a very motivating leader)
"Operation Looking Glass" provided at least 11 EC-135C command post aircraft to the Commander in Chief Strategic Air Command (CINCSAC), which were either based at its headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, or at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. All aircraft have been retired or repurposed.
The U.S. nuclear strategy depends on its ability to command, control, and communicate with its nuclear forces under all conditions. An essential element of that ability is Looking Glass; its crew and staff ensure there is always an aircraft ready to direct bombers and missiles from the air should ground-based command centers be destroyed or rendered inoperable. Looking Glass is intended to guarantee that U.S. strategic forces will act only in the manner dictated by the President. It took the nickname "Looking Glass" because the mission mirrored ground-based command, control, and communications. Besides being the program name, "Looking Glass" is the official name for the "C" model aircraft of the EC-135. It has a crew of at least 15, including at least one or more general officer.
The Strategic Air Command began the Looking Glass mission on February 3, 1961. Looking Glass aircraft were continuously airborne 24 hours a day for over 29 years, accumulating more than 281,000 accident-free flying hours. On July 24, 1990, "The Glass" ceased continuous airborne alert, but remained on ground or airborne alert 24 hours a day.
On June 1, 1992, SAC was deactivated and replaced by USSTRATCOM, which now controls the Looking Glass.[2][3] On October 1, 1998, the Navy's E-6 Mercury TACAMO replaced the USAF's EC-135C in the Looking Glass mission.