I can remember in the early 70's there were two aircraft that had the highest security presence while on the ground. Of course one was the SR-71, which usually headed straight into an enclosed hanger and surrounded with security forces. The other was also considered a valuable resource and had at least one SP posted 24/7 in all weather conditions. Can anybody guess which aircraft it was? How about the C-5. Hard to stuff one of those in a regular hanger.
Since we are really discussing the SR, I had a very interesting situation when we (3 well worn Beale SAC TDY personnel going home at last) were departing Guam via an unscheduled flight of a heavily loaded C-5A coming from SEA. Everybody and everything was weighed as the aircraft was pushing its maximum weight. We, along with our tools and personal belongings were thoroughly searched for contraband. A young sky cop had me unpack my duffle bag. Among the expected personal items was some foot powder, in the GI Olive Drab tin can complete with the FSN (Federal Stock Number) and description, Powder, Anti-Fungal, For Athletes Foot control, and a small toy I purchased at the BX as a gift for my son.
The young sky cop saw the can. His eyes fixated on it and his facial expression turned VERY SERIOUS. He picked it up, read the text on the can, sternly asked me "What is this?" I said athletes foot powder prescribed by the doctor for athletes foot. Common issue in Guam. It's like the Corrosion Control Shop's motto:
In God We Trust, on Guam We Rust. He had no sense of humor...he opened the can, sniffed it, then like in the cop movies, licked his finger stuck it in the can, and licked his finger! The look on his face became extremely terse. He spotted the little box containing the toy I purchased for my son. It was a small blue cardboard box with a picture of an SR-71, labeled USAF Spy Plane. Inside was a metal Matchbox SR-71 with extremely detailed features and graphics. He asked where I got this and I told him at the BX. He was shaking badly, tried to get his supervisors attention and pulled his side arm. My buddies scattered like cockroaches when the lights are turned on. The young fellow apparently thought I was the epitome of Boris Badenov (see below) and tried to arrest me. His supervisor noticed the commotion and quickly responded, asked the young lad what is the issue. After the story and show-n-tell to his super, his super requested he holster his fire arm. Told him everything was copasetic. He too was VERY curious about the SR-71 toy. Again, the detail was amazing. Yeah, $1.29 at the BX. He said, damned, I gotta get over there and get one for my kid, too! Poor young sky cop was shakin' all over for the remainder of the processing line - and We were all able to board the C-5 for a comfy ride closer to home.
#ad
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
You were where the sun RISES from the ocean and I was where it SETS into the ocean...We support types all intermingled with TDYs across the globe so this old brain forgot the "other" strategic resource locations. We were all one big family wandering the globe. 
? I still have it in my wallet.
