For nearly three decades, Lt. Col. Rich Operhall, 76th Space Control Squadron commander, has fueled his love of Air Force history and heritage by collecting patches.
A lot of them. More than 15,000 at last count.
The son of a three-war Air Force veteran, Operhall said his love of the Air Force began in second grade. He recalled childhood memories of drawing planes and being fascinated by the flying world.
“In junior high school I had a friend … and he discovered that by writing to Air Force bases, to public affairs offices and other places, they would send him stuff,” said Operhall. “He showed me how to do it and I started writing to different public affairs offices for the various wings and bases and they started sending me stuff.”
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