From the front lines of the Cold War
1986, Schwäbisch Gmünd Germany — 56th Field Artillery Command, 38th Signal Battalion, Delta Company or known to many as the Delta Dogs, part of the Pershing Pickle. HOOAH!
The capabilities of the Pershing Tactical Nuclear Missile were a key part in bringing an end to the cold war. My roles was to insure that the Soviet block was aware of our accuracy and lethalness of the 108 P II missiles we could deploy, move around Europe and strike key targets within minutes of a launch order. I had the privilege to serve as part of this elite Command from 1986 until 1988.
During this time I worked with Generals, politicians, advised negotiation teams, directed special ops and worked with the intelligence community on imminent threats, dissent and activities that either put us at risk or gave us leverage over the Russians. This would take me to Berlin, Italy, the Middle East, and many other places over the course of my early life. Unbeknownst to me at the time, these activities would shape my life for decades to come.
But those stories are for another time.
On this Veterans day of November 11, 2020, as a reflection, here is something I wrote back in the days of Pershing. Shout out to all of you who did what you did, without any demand or ask for something in return for pennies a day.
Pershing Creed
Lost in the middle of nowhere, Germany is the spot. We are all doomed to do our time. In the Land that God forgot.
Here with the snow and ice. Here where a man gets blue. Here in the middle of nowhere. Five Thousand miles from you.
We sweat, we freeze, we shiver. It's more than a man can stand. And we aren’t even convicts, we’re defendants of our land.
We’re members of the Army. Earning our measly pay. Guarding those with millions. At Two and a half a day.
Staying with our memories. Thinking of our gals. Hoping while we’re away. They don’t marry our pals.
Few people know we’re alive. Nobody gives a damn. Though we may be forgotten. We’re bound to “Uncle Sam”.
We do this for our country. Yes we do this and more. Soldiers with spit shined boots. Behind every door.
In these barracks rest us soldiers. None Better than us all. We fight to win and die if we must. We’re much too strong to fall.
But when we got heaven. You’ll hear St. Peter yell. “Fall out you men from Pershing! You’ve spent your time in hell!”
Ivan “Chip” Lopez — D Company, 38th Signal BN
1986–1998
