Page 59 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

air FOrCe | libya
In 1970 Muammar Gaddafi overthrew King Idris and
did not want the U.S. Air Force base in Libya any
longer. Gaddafi demanded the United States leave all
their equipment there, but the U.S. refused, so Gaddafi
threatened to overthrow the base. One night Libyan
troops began marching toward the base on the only
paved and lighted road in Tripoli. The Air Force circled
B-52 bombers and F4 fighter planes overhead and flew
three flat tops over the Mediterranean while the Libyan
troops marched toward their base. They placed two F4
fighter planes at the gate with missiles, armed and ready,
and about 50 soldiers with rifles behind them. It was very
intense. Libyan soldiers stopped about a half mile from
the U.S. base gate when they saw the missiles and planes.
After about 30 minutes, they disappeared. A few days
later Barry was discharged early and got to go home. He
went back to work in the oil field at Pan American. After
41 years with them he retired.
In 1992 Barry met JoAnn at a square-dancing event. They
were married 33 years in July 2025. They have traveled
several times with King’s Highway and now spend much
of their time with family and grandchildren. In addition
to seeing unforgettable places, traveling by bus provides
a rare opportunity to hear and appreciate and connect
with fellow travelers. Just as Barry’s service story is a part
of a bigger story, each of our stories is a unique part of a
bigger story that we are all included in.
Lubbock Senior Link 59