Active operators & classified military anons, you guys and gals are in my thoughts every day. Quick storytime just for you, about one of your fellow anons before your time, since you stay on my mind.
Late father was, as I pieced together decades and decades later and after he passed, high classification (SAC base depot in the 1950s - I have a group photo of his unit, standing together, with deep snow on the ground. There are no names on it.) Many years later, he walked up under the fuselage of a B36 on display at the museum at Eglin, and instinctively reached up looking for things to be where he remembered them. Never forgot.
He honored his oaths, and was so humble and discreet a man he rarely mentioned any of his AF or later career even long after they were declassified. Never had opportunity to go to college, but ended up being assigned to work elbow to elbow with full engineers, and mom said he seemed surprised and amazed when he told her that little bit. Otherwise she, of course, never had a clue. I think he liked the camaraderie, even in the 70's (McNamara, grrrr) when it got to be stressful. Was active at our church. And he'd tinker with the cars, and take lawnmowers apart, then put them back together, just for fun. I can still imagine him in the driveway, grease all over his white t-shirt, listening to a country radio station.
Know what he did after he retired? Volunteered in a hospital cardiac lab, transporting patients to & from treatment areas. This will tell you everything you need to know about him: when he was in the lab, he'd microwave towels until they were good and warm, then wrap them around older ladies' feet, just to keep them cozy because it was chilly in that part of the hospital :)
I know he is waiting for me in heaven, with our family and his old friends. He was a good man, he loved his family and America, and I miss him every day.
So that's what happened to one high-clearance patriot. I wish all of you a life as satisfying as his. So many of us here in this strange place are so proud of you.
His last words to me before he left?
"Ain't love grand?"
God bless you all. I really do think of you all every day and pray for your perfect safety and success.