ROMULUS — A fascinating, first-of-its-kind reunion occurred for roughly 35 attendees of the former Seneca Army Depot “Q” area’s 295th Military Police Co. and service members. A double tour event unfolded in collaboration with both Deer Haven Park and FirstLight thanks to the concerted, heartfelt effort of former MP Paul Peloquin, whose successful search for former roommate MP Kenneth Roberts spawned this much greater vision.
Reunions happen all the time, so what makes this one so fascinating? Well, few would disagree that the most infamous and intriguing part of SEAD was the secret area dubbed the “Q,” the highest-level security designation given by the Atomic Energy Commission and used to store “special weapons.” These 1,120 acres were allocated in February 1955 and, by July 1956, were intact, with numerous buildings and 64 inordinately protected munitions igloos. “Special weapons” storage would remain until 1992.
The day’s clouds were threatening, making the approach to the secreted inner gates a bit ominous. Conversely, the veteran’s anticipation of reentering this once pristine, meticulously manicured area was exhilarating. Besides MPs (some of whom served in the 1970s), those present ranged from former duty positions, material handlers and ammunition specialists to nuclear weapons maintenance technicians.
Approaching the Sally Port’s once multiple-guarded, triple-gated entry point (formerly accommodating 4,800 volts of electricity!) gave an inkling of what unfolded at the beginning and end of each report to duty. A sizable control panel occupied the guard house entrance,........