I was forwarded an E-mail from Bill Leslie from former 308th member Lt. Col
(Ret.) Grant Secrist. He wrote a very interesting letter about the earliest
history of the 308th SMW. We thought we would share it with you.
Thank you Colonel Secrist!!
More early Pioneers Info from Col. Secrist!
Mr. Bill Leslie:


Thank you for your efforts in planning the first 308th SMW reunion. A most worthy endeavor,
and long overdue recognition of those Cold War warriors who truly embodied the 308th SMW
motto: "Non Sib Sed Aliis--Not For Self, But For Others"

My service in the 308th Strategic Missile Wing spanned the 1962-1965 timeframe--the period of
activation and upgrade to combat-ready status. This era involved a particularly intense period
of the Cold War that included the Cuban Missile Crisis and President Kennedy's assassination.

Colonel Collier H. Davidson was the first 308th Wing Commander; Colonel Charles P. Sullivan
the first Vice Commander; and Colonel Peter H. Spear the first Director of Operations. The
373rd Squadron was first commanded by Colonel Robert M. Hansen and the 374th Squadron by
Colonel Benjamin B. Shields.

I served on the first 308th SMW Combat Ready Crew (R-01), first Senior Crew (S-01), and first
Standardization /Evaluation Crew (S-01). The composition of the Wing Senior Standardization
/Evaluation Crew during the 308th first three years as a combat-ready operational wing follows:

Wing Senior Standardization/Evaluation Crew (1962-1964):
Missile Combat Crew S-01

Lt. Colonel Robert W. Smith, MCCC
Captain Grant E. Secrist, DMCCC
SMSGT David C. Dorries, BMAT
SMSGT Edward Glonek, MFT

Wing Senior Standardization/Evaluation Crew (1964-1965):
Missile Combat Crew S-01

Lt. Colonel George A. Peters, MCCC
Captain Grant E. Secrist, DMCCC
SMSGT Wayne S. Holzman, BMAT
SMSGT Edward Glonek, MFT
Many of the 308th first commanders and combat crews were WWII and Korean War veterans.
We are losing this great generation all too quickly. I'm hoping that you are able to reach those
remaining 308th veterans responsible for activating, operating, and maintaining the Wing's
contribution to SAC's deterrent force during the earliest years.

If at all possible, I will attend the reunion in October. I certainly support your reunion efforts
and creation of the Jacksonville museum to honor the proud history of the 308th SMW.

Thank you again for your efforts.

Sincerely,

Grant E. Secrist, Lt. Col., USAF (Retired)