Yogi Berra’s famous quote can to mind when I heard last week about the false “incoming” missile warning in Hawaii all over the news. Despite all the good technology things can still boil down to human error. This is not the first instance of this. For example, in 1995 on this day Russia’s early-warning defense radar detected an unexpected missile launch near Norway, and Russian military command estimates the missile to be only minutes from impact on Moscow.

Moments later, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, his defense minister, and his chief of staff were informed of the missile launch. The nuclear command systems switched to combat mode, and the nuclear suitcases carried by Yeltsin and his top commander were activated for the first time in the history of the Soviet-made weapons system. Five minutes after the launch detection, Russian command determined that the missile’s impact point would be outside Russia’s borders.

Three more minutes passed, and Yeltsin was informed that the launching was likely not part of a surprise nuclear strike by Western nuclear submarines. These conclusions came minutes before Yeltsin and his commanders should have ordered a nuclear response based on standard launch on warning protocols. Later, it was revealed that the missile, launched from Spitzbergen, Norway, was actually carrying instruments for scientific measurements. Nine days before, Norway had notified 35 countries, including Russia, of the exact details of the planned launch. The Russian Defense Ministry had received Norway’s announcement but had neglected to inform the on-duty personnel at the early-warning center of the imminent launch. The event raised serious concerns about the quality of the former Soviet Union’s nuclear systems.

A reminder. Our next fundraiser will be Friday January 26th when Jerry Sebert will have beans and cornbread luncheon. The fundraising luncheon will be 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hut and will have carry-out again for call-in orders. Will need all the helpers we can get working that event as we had in November for the chicken-noodle luncheon.
Don’t forget our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM (1st of February). Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in January and February are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy with always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Keep your eye on the weather in case things must be postponed (like freezing weather). If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.