Best Friends SSgt. John Dieken who later became and retired an Officer of the Air Force.
Best Moment The female Lt. and I was selected on our shift to participate on the CINCSAC directed LINEBACKER II OPERATION from Dec 18-29, 1972. We scanned thousands of feet of film for the Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA) of North Vietnam. I was told I wasn't put in for any awards because I had not been a Photo Interpreter long enough. It was pointed out I had just recently cross-trained into the Intel career field.
Worst Moment When I realized I had no mentor and was not considered a SAC asset. When I told my Major superior my Commander at Lowry knew about me being blind I was told I was a LIAR! My suggestions were ignored when they had an IBM mainframe overhaul and afterwards we were told to try to bring the computer system down. So I did my thing and the computer system crashed. I was asked why had I not given my suggestions to my boss? They refused to believe me when I placed the Major on the spot and told the authorities I had told him and had been ignored, etc. I received an assignment to Hawaii for that statement.
Chain of Command Headquarters 3902 Air Base Wing (SAC) Headquarters 544 Aerosp Recon Tech Wg (SAC)
Other Memories My first year as a one eyed (I'm blind in my left eye) Photo Interpreter I established a precedent that all IIs (Imagery Interpreters) try to emulate even today! I identified and reported 12 new installations which directly influenced proposed revisions to the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP), which provided critical intelligence to the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff through the National Strategic Target Data Base. A striking achievement when measured against more experience Photo Interpreters.
On 11 October 1972 I was selected to attend the 15 Air Force NCO Leadership School, Class 72-I at March AFB, CA.
On 29 Feb 1973 I was selected as a Classified Material Courier to Andrews AFB, MD.
