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Melvin Lester - Cold War Era

Mel Lester Lester joined the United States Air Force in 1957, and following his training as an aircraft mechanic, was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. He was there during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 when the world approached the brink of nuclear war. A year later, he was sent to Vietnam for a one year tour, serving with the 34th Tactical Group at the Bien Hoa Air Base. Throughout his Air Force career, Lester had postings throughout the United States, as well as the Philippines, Guam and even Antarctica.