"...I can remember seeing the SR-71 Blackbird fly through the sky like a black dagger..."

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica B. Nelson
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "I grew up on a farm in Marysville, California and I can remember seeing the SR-71 Blackbird fly through the sky like a black dagger.  My parents were friends with some officers and NCOs from Beale AFB and I was inspired by their sharp looks and well-spoken attitudes. When the draft came around in 1969 it was like a nudge for me to join. Although I initially only wanted to serve for four years, 33 years went by and it was the best decision I made. I saw some amazing things from the repatriation of Vietnam POWs like Senator John McCain and Jeremiah Denton to the fall of the Berlin wall which I didn't just read about but got to witness first-hand."

Harl Sanderson, 9th Mission Support Group, deputy director for installation support
Hometown: Marysville, California

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