Area 51 Revealed

An L.A. Times article posted this morning investigates Area 51 with the help of five men who were stationed at "the most famous military institution in the world". It's really an interesting read. You can totally understand where all the conspiracy theorists came up with their alien and UFO ideas after reading this.

The most interesting parts of the article for me are how the wives completely understand their husbands' oath to secrecy:

Henry Martin tells of preparing for a top-secret mission from Area 51 to Thule, Greenland. "My wife took one look at me in these arctic boots and this big hooded coat, and she knew not to ask where I was going."

Being the curious and observant person I am, I don't think I'd be able to hold back the questions. Of course, there could be misunderstandings which lead to frustration, like in the case of Kenneth Collins' after agents had to use Sodium Pento-thal (truth serum) on him:

"Late Sunday, three CIA agents brought me home. One drove my car; the other two carried me inside and laid me down on the couch. I was loopy from the drugs. They handed Jane the car keys and left without saying a word." The only conclusion she could draw was that her husband had gone out and gotten drunk. "Boy, was she mad," says Collins with a chuckle.

I think there is a lot to take away from these mens' stories. Bravery, honesty, adventure, but most importantly, trust. I've never given up any information even after four years of working in a classified environment. And who knows if I ever will be able to? Bethany has never questioned my job in the Air Force to the point where I wouldn't be able to tell her something. That's trust right there. There's an understanding that some of the things we do for our great country no one will ever know about. However, I do look forward to the day where I can openly speak about my job as there are many intriguing and humorous stories surrounding it. Much like how these old men cannot talk about their own fascinating experiences fast enough.