Before serving in the Army from 1968 to 1971, I studied math at Purdue University.
Upon entering the service, I went through basic training at Fort Knox, KY and through the military intelligence agent course at Fort Holabird, MD.
In late 1968, I began serving as a military intelligence agent in the South Bend, IN, residence office, conducting routine background checks in the surrounding area for military personnel that required a security clearance.
Steve Hart and his Wife in 1971
Since all newly commissioned officers required a top secret security clearance in those days, I spent much of my time checking records and interviewing character references on college campuses, including the University of Notre Dame. I believe this experience gave me a feel for the ambience of various college campuses in the Region, although we did have strict orders to steer clear of any protests or demonstrations against the war.
In 1971, I was discharged from the Army and eventually earned an M.S. degree in physical chemistry from Purdue.
Stephen Hart, 2012
I am now semi-retired, having worked as an analytical chemist and coatings and adhesives formulator for 34 years. Most of my career involved formulating powder coatings, and while working in this field, I was recognized as an inventor or co-inventor on ten patents.
I have written Going Nuclear because I find myself drawn back to the turmoil of 1969 and the Vietnam War and believe I am not alone in this.
