In the late 50s, we knew a U-2 pilot based in Japan.
He was an American Indian.
The C-130 is one those hindsight 20/20 things for me. My initial desire in the military was to be a C-130 mechanic or be associated with the program.
The waiting list for flight mechanic was 4 years back 82 5 he 70’s, and even then C-130 pipeline training wasn’t guaranteed.
To be associated with that airframe would have resulted in a lifetime of good solid employment opportunities. Ah... well, C’est la vie.