Shamrock 22: "An Aviator's Story"D
Looking back into one's life and rethinking experiences, people, events, emotions, satisfactions and some disappointments is both worthwhile and enjoyable. I am grateful for many things and many people. First, my lovely wife of 63 years, our two great daughters, our many friends, numerous mentors, and the fine men with whom I worked, and especially those with whom I flew for years, my crew. During the writing of this story a thoughtful mood prevailed; it was enjoyable. I am proud of what we accomplished in Strategic Air Command. We participated in preventing World War III. My crew and I were proud to have served our country during very difficult times. In such a book about one's self it is difficult to omit the "vertical pronoun" (as it was called in Senator Barry Goldwater's forward to General Jimmy Doolittle's autobiography "I could Never Be So Lucky Again"). I have tried to limit that use. I use "we" often since a major fraction of my aviation life has been with my crew. We bonded, as happens in many military relationships. I was many times blessed by the fine people whom I met, knew, with whom I lived, worked, flew and to whom I listened. David Hamm, our Navigator used to say "Rick runs a democratic crew. He lets us vote, and then he counts the votes and tells us who won". During our crew days we were on the highest professional level. Responsibility was continuous, and heavy. Four 1.2 mega ton nuclear weapons, a crew of 5 other professionals, 6 wives, and 17 children, plus a fine Boeing airplane, holding nearly 35,000 gallons of jet fuel, all involved in the defense of our country combine to give a man inspiration to do things right, and well. It was serious business. Even so, there were times of hilarity and humor, for which we are grateful.