Trust but Verify: When the Soviets Came to South Dakota (427)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 24 October 2025

⏱️ 64 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

I continue chatting with Dennis Greene about his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated Savannah, Georgia to a distinguished military career. Dennis is made Senior Flight Commander responsible for 50 Minuteman nuclear missiles. Dennis shares his firsthand experiences of the intense pressure, the psychological toll of nuclear readiness, and the groundbreaking integration of women into the Minuteman 2 system. He recounts pivotal moments, from the deactivation of nuclear warheads following the signing of the START1 disarmament treaty to the unique interactions with Soviet counterparts during verification processes. Episode extras including videos here ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode427/⁠ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/⁠ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/store/⁠ Continue the Cold War Conversation via social! F acebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠ BlueSky ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠ Threads ⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠ Twitter/X ⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠ Youtube ⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.5	Are you stuck in traffic watching brake lights when you'd rather be watching the northern lights?
0:12.6	At HSBC, we know ambition looks different to everyone.
0:16.2	Whether it's retiring early or leaving more for your family, we can help.
0:20.1	Because when it comes to unlocking
0:21.3	your money's potential, we know wealth. Search HSBC Wealth today to get your financial future moving.
0:28.1	HSBC UK opening up a world of opportunity. HSBC UK current account holders only.
0:35.7	Please stand clear with a gap.
0:40.1	Another morning, another reminder there's a gap to be careful of.
0:45.0	But maybe it's time to bridge the one between your 9 to 5 and your dream of living life on your own terms.
0:48.8	At HSBC, we know ambition looks different to everyone.
0:52.4	Whether it's retiring early or leaving more for your family, we can help.
0:54.4	Because when it comes to unlocking your money's potential, we know wealth. Search HSBC Wealth today. HSBC UK, opening up a world of opportunity.
1:01.5	HSBC UK current account holders only.
1:06.1	And so the Soviets watched that process happen. And someone raised their hand.
1:13.1	They had a question.
1:14.9	And the question was, and this is when I knew we'd won the Cold War, based on this one question.
1:21.8	And that question was, how do you get your men to work on time in the morning?
1:29.4	This is Cold War Conversations.
1:32.8	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to Cold War history.
1:37.4	Please make sure you follow us in your podcast app so you don't miss future episodes.
1:42.4	I continue chatting with Dennis Green about his incredible journey from a challenging
	...

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