MSgt Bernie Oder, USAF, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm

Veterans Chronicles

Bernie Oder joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972 when his number came up among the final names in the military draft. While serving as a supply clerk in the Philippines, Oder became friends with service members in special operations and decided to pursue that for his own career. After rigorous training in many disciplines, Oder was soon part of Air Force special operations.
In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Master Sgt. Oder takes us through his role in planning and executing Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and how that mission led to special operations coming under one roof at U.S. Special Operations Command.
He also takes through his significant role in plotting and carrying out the seizure of Rio Hato airfield during Operation Just Cause in Panama in December 1989, how his team adjusted when things did not go according to plan, and the importance of that operation to the success of the overall mission.
Finally, Oder takes us through his role in the build up to Operation Desert Storm and U.S. involvement in Bosnia.