Tail of the Coin - Ultrasecret work of CIA/DEA covert warriors in Florida

«This is a work of nonfiction concerning real people, events, and covert operations. The story revolves around actual, clandestine CIA and DEA operations and partnerships. Locations are mainly factual. Timelines were changed or condensed for continuity purposes. All dialogue was invented. Any resemblance to actual persons—living or dead—or actual events is purely coincidental.»

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I am extremely grateful to Alex and Marina Korsykov, owners of OfKors Bakery on Main St., Sarasota, Florida, for providing caffeine, sustenance, and most of all, camaraderie throughout the years.

James Richards, longtime researcher, who enlightened me to the totality of what was involved at an early stage, and mentored.

I am grateful to the numerous individuals who shared their friendships and experiences over the fifty years it took to finally bring this work to fruition.

Prologue – Tails of the Coin
Chapter 1 – The Golden Coin
Chapter 2 – Collection Coin

From the Panhandle to the Keys and all parts in between, Florida is paradise. Tall oaks, pines, and diverse ranges of palms are plentiful throughout. Long stretches of white sand beaches, mangrove-covered coastlines, and crystal-clear springs feeding wandering rivers comprise the native landscape. It's a place where the beauty of wildlife and flora naturally flourishes.

Hidden between the surrounding coastlines lay savanna prairies, palmetto-filled scrub, and miles of forests. The history of Florida contains untold stories of conflict, both military and criminal. The Spanish Conquistadors' invasion, the establishment of covert military facilities, and the thriving centers of organized crime are a few examples. They flourish as civilization continues to infiltrate the once natural settings.

The love of Florida and its role in shaping the modern geopolitical landscape are both evident in this story. Unbeknownst to most, the seeds of the current global political landscape originated from within The Land of Flowers. The story of this journey begins in the middle of the 20th century and persisted for two generations. It set the global stage for its present trajectory. This narrative recounts some of the mostly unseen events that ultimately shaped the world.

After the monumental destruction brought about by WWII, the world found itself in a state of chaos. Struggle ensued to shape a new global order. The defining technologies driving this change were atomic and nuclear weapons. After the Americans dropped the first atomic weapons, Russia soon acquired the technology. That acquisition propelled the Communist doctrine. With their newly acquired power, the Soviets set out to dominate the world. East vs. West, democracy vs. communism. The conflict between ideologies initiated the race for global dominance.

The future world stage would unknowingly germinate on an island in the Caribbean just ninety miles south of Florida. On this mountainous strip of land, two superpowers would eventually face off. It began after a little-known revolutionary leader surprised the world with his takeover of the existing democratic regime. Cuba would witness firsthand the battle between democracy and communism.

The conflict began on the southern side of Cuba along a small beach called 'Bahía de Cochinos', or 'The Bay of Pigs'. What occurred there in April of 1961 would eventually morph into the geopolitical landscape of the world for decades to come.

The combined effects of the 'Bay of Pigs Invasion' in 1961, the 'Cuban Missile Crisis' in 1962, and the 'John F. Kennedy Assassination' in 1963 formed the fundamental triad of events that would eventually mold today's geopolitical environment. All three incidents shared two common denominators: covert military operations and organized crime activities. These incidents served as the catalyst that initiated the heated race for global dominance between two nuclear superpowers.

The story that follows is a non-fiction account, focusing on covert intelligence operations conducted between 1972 and 1976. The majority of what you will read is based on fifty years of research using documented facts plus firsthand knowledge. This story concerns covert operations by US intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Only a small handful of people knew the details of what actually took place. Assembled evidence supports this content. The story relies on firsthand observations to create the narrative. This work attempts to convey the tale of the personal sacrifices of those involved. Individuals, believing their mission to safeguard the world from communist dominance, acted selflessly. The complete time period primarily encompasses the years between 1940 and 1980. The main focus of this story is on the integral four-year period. Massive upheavals occurred within the United States government, causing catastrophic changes. The following story reveals a series of covert actions that remain unpublicized.

Great effort was placed into altering names, events, and timelines in order to condense and enhance the dramatic effect of this narrative. For the sake of their families and friends, additional efforts were made to keep their identities anonymous. The validity of the underlying story remains intact.

Individual participants within this timeline were highly skilled and committed clandestine operators. They were associated with multiple federal agencies and departments comprising the United States government. Those involved strove for complete secrecy about their actions. Historic texts cannot explain everything that occurred. They rely only on well-documented evidence. The individuals mentioned here made a concerted effort to leave no such evidence behind.

June 17, 1972: The Watergate break-in occurs at the Democratic National Convention's (DNC) headquarters, which eventually leads to President Nixon's resignation.

December 15, 1973: The Bureau of Narcotics Covert Intelligence Network (BUNCIN) was created under the auspices of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD), which was later renamed the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Following the Watergate scandal, the CIA transferred its 'dirty tricks' and assassination operations to BUNCIN. The CIA came under tremendous scrutiny because of the Watergate fallout and had to rid itself of everything not deemed as acceptable to Congressional investigators.

1974-08-09: Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States of America (POTUS) because of the Watergate fallout.

1974-12-22: The New York Times published an article by Seymour Hersh revealing the existence of CIA irregularities during the Nixon Administration. This marks the beginning of the end of the CIA's Special Operations Groups (SAC).

1975-01-27: The Watergate scandal leads to the formation of the Church Committee. The US Senate votes to establish an eleven-member committee to look into abuses by the CIA, FBI, and NSA.

1975-02-19: The US House of Representatives forms the Pike Committee and votes to establish a select committee to conduct its own parallel investigation into intelligence community abuses.

Please enjoy this story and appreciate the role the participants played in domestic and international American covert intelligence operations.

Slivers of moonlight dance across the crests of rolling swells as storm clouds glide across the Gulf of Mexico at midnight. It's early 1975 on a desolate southwest Florida shoreline as a hurricane approaches. The lone figure at the water's edge enjoys solitude, letting go of the myriad of thoughts that continue to plague. Savoring the feeling as the wind sweeps across his face, he embraces the tepid Gulf waters as they swirl over his feet. Those within his sphere of influence refer to him as a 'ghost'. To say Rick's life is complicated would amount to a gross injustice. Just as a coin comprises dual sides, so does he. On the surface, he appears to be an ordinary man. Underneath, he's a mysterious figure carrying out domestic operations for the 'Central Intelligence Agency' (CIA).

Listening to the sounds of waves as they pound against the deserted shoreline, he's feeling at peace. Rick fully appreciates the tranquility that precedes both the meteorological and covert storms, which rapidly approach.

Recollections from his youth calm his spirit as he focuses on driftwood jutting from the shore. The wide Atlantic Ocean, the slender Florida Straits, and the Gulf of Mexico encircle his tropical paradise on three sides. Early Spanish explorers called this natural utopia 'Land of Flowers', or Florida. Cattle barons, muck farmers, and citrus tycoons comprised a diverse population who transformed this wilderness into an economic mainstay for early settlers. Rick grew up hearing tales of 'Florida Crackers', whose skin transformed into leather due to extended exposure to extreme weather. They rode on horseback, toting six guns, while protecting their herds from predators. They received their nickname from the distinctive 'cracking' sound their whips generated as they drove herds across open grasslands interspersed with stands of palmetto.

Inner strength springs from memories spent with his beloved Rottweilers. They'd run for miles through the wilderness, never another soul within sight. Powerful canines broke trails along pathways originally created by timber trains, livestock, and wild game. The only thing that concerned him were the sharp teeth of venomous rattlesnakes and water moccasins. They silently snaked their way through scrub and swamp in search of their next meal. His spirit would soar at the sight of ospreys, hawks, and eagles on the wing, gliding across topaz-blue skies as they walked.

Rick is a middle-aged, multifaceted man of medium height and build—appearing rather ordinary to most. He blends in with the crowd by being conservative in both looks and fashion. However, he does project a natural confidence and swagger about him to most who interface with him. Maintaining a sparse air of mystery, this mild-mannered man remains slightly extroverted. He's just brash enough to make his presence known yet reserved enough to avoid scrutiny. In this game, a valued resource never draws undue attention. Success relies heavily on remaining nondescript. By seamlessly morphing into the immediate role required, he consistently achieves his objectives. Rick is exceptional at transforming himself just as smoothly as the Gulf breeze now slipping silently across his face.

His contemporaries are largely unaware of the back roads he's traversed over the years across Florida. He's strolled through the fading remnants of previous eras, discovering natural landscapes and their indigenous inhabitants. He's investigated the ruins of forts, including the tiny 'Fort Duncan McRee'. They built the fortification using coquina rock from nearby quarries. The fort was a component of an era known as the 'Seminole Wars'. Constructed as part of a series of modest strongholds, it aimed to safeguard early settlers from potential threats. He's walked portions of the 'Kings Road' that traversed the wilds of Florida's northeast coast. Starting at the St. Mary's River, it crossed through forests and streams before ending just south of New Smyrna. The King of England personally guarded travelers from disturbances on this route. The concept that offenders on the King's road faced harsh English consequences fascinated him.

He's also explored other early rock structures that were involved in the production of molasses, particularly the highly sought-after 'trickle' (rum). Concrete runways from the WWII era, now long overgrown by vegetation, once housed aircraft and their crews preparing for war.

He actively participated in the construction and management of secret military emplacements across Florida in the mid-20th century. The purpose of these sites was to combat the Communist threats in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. History books only record a fraction of his observations. He's fully aware that his insights will gradually diminish with time. He bears a resemblance to the Florida Crackers, who once drove cattle herds into the fading light. Over time, progress led to their becoming a gradually diminished breed.

Having trekked from the Okefenokee to the Everglades and gazed out across the river of grass, this is Rick's home. He still feels the independent spirit of the pioneers who built a sustainable way of life—out of the sheer necessity to survive.

As warm, churning Gulf waters continuously cleanse the white sand, he finally regains his focus. He fully appreciates the present moment and the feeling it brings. The full moon rising creates a chromatic fluorescence, illuminating sun-bleached expanses. Crashing waves add a symphony of sounds, calming his spirit. He inhales intoxicating breezes off the Gulf of Mexico. They carry aquatic scents created by continuously churning waters. Finding tranquility, he scans the blackness of the horizon directly west. His consciousness is free to celebrate this Zen-filled experience. "No one, local or foreign, can destroy the sea of grass freely swaying over Okeechobee down to the Florida Straits. All of us have an innate sense of right and wrong. This land will stay unspoiled if only common sense prevails."

To the southwest, pulsing illuminations within distant clouds signal that a strong blow is on the way. Staring at the storm, he questions, "Soon, the entire coastline will feel the wrath. Here, we'll only experience a fraction of the damage compared to a direct hit." A witness to past devastation firsthand from both wars and weather, he fully comprehends the immense trauma each generates. "Florida's Big Bend will bear the brunt of this monster," he wonders prophetically. "How much will this storm sweep away, leaving only a memory? How can one replenish the lost aspects of an unexpectedly critically disrupted life?"

Rick's a part of 'The Greatest Generation', a survivor of the darkest period of the twentieth century—World War II. The conflict claimed the lives of eighty million people in less than ten years. War's massive and pointless destruction profoundly shaped the morality of his generation.

Turning to face the southern shore, he experiences the increasing gusts coming off the once-calm Gulf waters. Within the darkness overhead, flashes of light appear, exposing storm clouds as they advance.

A silhouette on the beach abruptly grows clearer with each pulse. "What other idiot is walking on the beach in this blow?" He says out loud. As winds pick up to gale-force speed, sea oats firmly embedded in the dunes furiously dance. "It's past time to get off the shoreline, take shelter, and latch the shutters." Yet the silhouette approaching isn't in a hurry as the distance steadily shrinks.

A fleeting notion, shrouded in darkness, strikes him: "This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who knows too much to suddenly disappear. The storm will conveniently sanitize the beaches as it continues north. It will undoubtedly eliminate all signs of life and transport the remnants out to sea. Secrets kept for a lifetime will simply vanish." Striking a solemn pause, he weighs his alternatives. Years of adventures that only a few can fathom stream through his consciousness. Filling his lungs with clean ocean air, he then slowly exhales, letting calmness return. He now wonders out loud, "This could definitely be the day I became expendable."

Subtropical aqua-blue skies, dotted with puffs of white cumulus clouds, drift along Florida's Gulf coast. Tropical vegetation surrounds a small group of men exchanging low-key salutations. This is by no means an ordinary day in the spring of 1972. Rarely does a group like this come together. They're professionals who meet one another in an informal atmosphere.

WWII survivors who served together for several decades make up the group. Their various exploits often involve participating in operations across the globe. They rendezvous at their favorite stateside gathering spot. It's a small park just south of Tampa Bay. The park is situated close to a discreet, single-story motel. On the other side of the bay, within the confines of MacDill Air Force Base, lies the 'United States Readiness Command' headquarters (REDCOM). In 1983, it underwent a name change to the more familiar 'Central Command' (CENTCOM). Participants have interacted with both installations over the years. The antiquated motel operates in a quiet equatorial setting along the Gulf shore. It just so happens to also double as one of their 'safe houses'. The park's picnic tables stand under a cluster of royal palms, providing welcome shade for their open-air office. The steady breeze coming off the gulf supplies relief from the normally high humidity. It would be challenging to find a more diverse, yet closely knit, crew of experienced covert operators in one place.

Roy, a tall, burly man with a permanent smirk on his face, says, "More than a hundred million soldiers and civilians died in two world wars. Should this current trajectory continue, a third world war is imminent. A third world war will without a doubt be nuclear."

The tall, thin, soft-spoken man with leathered skin wears a faint smile on his face. Willie adds, "That's why we're here—to keep wars limited to smaller shooting wars. And we control who does the shooting."

The man with a chiseled face, seemingly made from granite, built like a bull, is Sony. He's of Hispanic-American descent, average height, and laser-focused. "Remember, one well-placed shot can diffuse a potentially fatal altercation. That single deed can save thousands to millions of innocent lives. I've no problem pulling that trigger."

Rick silently raises his head, revealing a vacant expression. He briefly turns to each member before sharing a disconcerting thought with the entire group. "If there is a next world war, there's little doubt it will be nuclear. Within days, entire civilizations will disappear. We were too close to the nuclear option with Cuba back in '62. All of us were in the thick of that one. We can't allow that kind of situation to evolve ever again. This is especially true given the present spread of Soviet dominance worldwide."

Willie looks directly at Rick and gently adds, "I totally agree with that sentiment. The situation engulfed us all. We expected a sudden mushroom cloud to occur at any time."

Palm fronds continue to sway in a tropical rhythm with the Gulf breezes. They spare the group from the direct rays of the equatorial sun. Sensing a serious conversation evolving, they begin seating themselves around a weather-beaten picnic table. Their talk continues as they focus on more current, pressing issues.

They casually refer to the CIA as 'The Company'. That phrase garners much less attention. Their main focus is to work unnoticed. The company acknowledges Roy, Willie, and Sony as its assets. To keep their allegiances concealed, the company provides them with official covers (OC). In addition to other government perks, they receive monthly wages deposited in covert accounts via shell corporations. The company also authorizes each of the three to acquire additional resources required through front corporations specifically established for that purpose. If there is ever a breach in their operating cover, the company will protect them. They will receive an official star on the agency's 'wall of honor' if the worst-case scenario ever occurs.

Conversely, Rick functions as an independent asset. He operates as a shadow inside the boundaries of clandestine intelligence operations. In the company's eyes, he's a 'ghost' with a non-official cover (NOC). That is to say, they deny knowing anything about him. It's up to him to find a way to survive if an operation goes wrong. Under layers of concealment, he masks any connection to the company. The only way he can interact with them is through his controllers. They serve as official contract agents for the company. In order to cover his expenses, he must leverage his unique abilities to generate funds. These include living expenses plus any required additional operational resources. His public persona is that of a well-meaning small-business owner. Not a single connection to any government intelligence agency exists.

Roy explains. "Rick, keep in mind that within the company, you're considered a ghost. Translation: The company will consider your cover blown if they discover anything linking you to them. At that point, termination of some sort will transpire. You've been doing one hell of a job with us for decades. You take all the risks while receiving zero direct compensation or acknowledgment. Even though I don't envy your circumstances, I greatly admire the work you've accomplished."

Casually sitting on top of the picnic table, Roy focuses on Willie. "Comrade, it was the weakness of one American president that caused our Bay of Pigs expedition to fail. He eventually paid dearly for his transgressions. Administrations, they come, and they'll go. We're here for the long haul. For the foreseeable future, I'll be on a midnight boat in and out of Cuba as well as points south. Where are you headed?"

Willie, staring at his hands and rubbing his weathered skin, responds, "Africa's becoming hot again. Russian and Chinese advisors are engaging in more nefarious actions. Sometime soon, I'll be working directly with 'The Irishman'. I'll also be pooling other assets to keep the communists in line and clear of the dark continent. I'll have access to mercenaries, local militia, plus US and foreign assets at my disposal. It should be a fun ride. I believe I'll also be traversing South America and Asia from time to time. If I land in your neighborhood, you can buy me a drink."

"You'll find me in your backyard from time to time. I'll be in touch when I do." While smiling, Sony continues, "I'll also be working on a few separate shenanigans, which I'll leave entirely to your imagination."

With a mischievous smile on his face, Rick says, "I'll mainly be working in-country, flushing out rats. You might see me from time to time as I bounce around. Only ghosts can work in-country on company projects. I'll definitely be checking in with Roy when he's somewhere between Key West and Tampa. There are a few other things currently in the works. Once everything solidifies, I'll provide more details then."

Sony stares blindly at the group, then remarks, "It seems like we all have our duties well defined. I suppose it's time to get to work. By the way, the accepted means of communication will remain in use." With a smile on his face as he begins to stand, "I'm heading down range far south, guys, so until we meet again. 'Hasta luego, amigos, hasta la próximam' (So long, friends, until next time)."

The group agrees. As the impromptu meeting adjourns. Each member now heads toward their own destiny.

Two individuals who were not in attendance are part of the company's top echelon: Sandy and Pierre. They've earned their promotions to the top levels of management by being especially effective at their jobs. Both served for decades with distinction in the field at overseas postings. They both succeeded at carrying out extremely complex and risky operations. They've earned reputations as highly resourceful, cunning, and driven individuals. The group has worked with them for over twenty years.

Sandy, sometimes referred to as 'The Sandman', is a tall, slender, reserved, and mysterious gentleman. He's as cool a character as they come, heading up the company's 'Special Operations Group' (SOG). Members from that silent fraternity make up a majority of the 'intelligence stars' that grace the memorial wall at the CIA headquarters.

Willie, who's normally modest, has questioned Sandy in the past. "You're the head of SOG, but your team has lost the most assets during company operations. How do you cope with seeing the stars of your deployed assets on the memorial wall every time you enter?"

Sandy's response is straightforward. "True, but if we didn't attempt those operations, the body count would be exponentially increased. I don't send anyone to their deaths. I send them to do a job. We give them an abundance of training and support to get the work done. But like any job, the unexpected occurs. Statistically, we do very well. Yeah, I get it. Even one soldier's death is one too many. I have made the effort to get to know a few of them. I think about their work every day. We recognize their mission is a necessary component of our work. They are aware of the challenges and potential risks. They do not enter the situation blind."

'The Frenchman' is a flamboyant character, a man of medium height and build with a long history involved in covert operations. Pierre has been in the trenches for decades, having started in France during World War II. He was an early member of the 'Office of Strategic Services' (OSS). He worked with resistance forces, special forces, and operations involving overt and covert missions on multiple continents. Over the years, he has served with several global intelligence organizations. Also fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, and English. He rose through the ranks by completing the hardest missions worldwide. His consistent positive results have garnered him recognition at the top ranks. Legends originate from the work he conducts among clandestine operators. Pierre's activities have become yarns shared among the elite.

Both Sandy and Pierre presently hold management positions within the company. They are no longer considered expendable and seldom found outside the office. On the other hand, Willie, Roy, and Sony oversee continuing field operations. Rick is the enigma—the wildcard. He's his own boss but interfaces directly with his company controllers.

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