Page 91 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

RICHARD (DICK) ROESE
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, AIR FORCE
I began my career in the USAF after having dropped out of college and not able to find a job. Since I had no way to pay my room and board at home my father suggested that the military might be a good place for me.
So, I convinced a friend to join the Air Force with me but when it came time to enlist, he backed out. I decided to go ahead and enlist anyway. My intention was not to make a career of the military but as it turned out it was one of the best choices of my life.
The military provided training in skills (aircraft and missile technician) and discipline that have been beneficial for the rest of my life.
A special benefit and joy of my training was enabling me to serve as a volunteer in Papua New Guinea for six months assisting in the missionary aviation program for Wycliffe Bible Translators.
My career included being a crew chief on B-47 aircraft and Titan 1 and 2 missiles and coordinating maintenance and alert status of Titan missiles at Vandenberg AFB, California. I spent several TDY deployments overseas in England and North Africa, most notably in North Africa during the Cuban missile crisis.
I believe that God is the orchestrator of our lives and because of His leading me into the military He brought Madelyn, the LOVE of my life, and I together on a blind date in Plattsburg, NY, 63 years ago, giving us 3 sons and 5 grandchildren. The rest is history.
USAF 1953 - 1973
91