Zehbel: The Clever One, an American Mercenary in Pre-revolutionary Iran

Zehbel: The Clever One is a true story. My family and I lived in Iran for ten years during the 60s and 70s. My younger children were born there and we all thought of Iran as home. We enjoyed a good life there, attending parties at the highest levels of society, meeting important people, and enjoying luxuries like expensive Scotch, Cognac, and the finest caviar. Our children took lessons in water ballet at the Officer's Club, and we all enjoyed an active social life. Americans clung together, living overseas. With the equivalent rank of US Major, we traveled First Class all the way. It was a life we could not have afforded back in the States. I spent most of my time away from my family, setting up equipment all over Iran, often in the line of fire. It was easier to keep negative incidents like that away from my wife and kids. Iranians are a warm and generous people. We formed close friendships with many of them during our time in Iran. I have changed or omitted some names and details to protect our very dear friends. We went about our ordinary lives while a rising tide of terrorism and political intrigue swirled around us. Many times, I almost lost my life, and saw others lose theirs. In truth, we were utterly changed by the people and the times in which we lived. The friends we made and the experiences we shared forged bonds that will last a lifetime.

Michael Roman worked as a RADAR, Navigational Aid and Communication Specialist for the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA/USAF) in the United States, Pakistan and Iran, then as an advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Meterology in the Imperial Iranian Air Force - the highest position held by an American working for the IIAF. He and his family - his wife, Lucretia, a registered nurse, and their seven children - lived in Iran for ten years. When they returned to the States in 1976, they carried the memories, language and customs of Iranian culture into a new life in southeast Pennsylvania. When Michael retired from the FAA in 2007, he sat down to write the story of their years abroad. Zehbel: The Clever One is the result. Iranians referred to Michael as Zehbel, the clever man who could solve any problem. But many resented his intelligence and the powerful position he held; in addition to designing surface radar surveillance equipment for air force bases all over Iran, Michael controlled the approval of contracts for the Imperial Iranian Air Force. When Michael’s wife and children read his stories, they were shocked at the sheer number of assassination attempts he had escaped. He kept most of these incidents from his family, while they enjoyed a comfortable life in Teheran, attending the Teheran American School, going to Scout camp, swimming parties at the Officer’s Club -- typical American activities alongside a thorough immersion into Iranian life. In recent years, Michael has spoken to civic groups and local universities about his experiences. He is an engaging speaker, at ease with his audience. Michael is active in his community and church, and a dedicated patriarch to his expanding family of seven children, twenty-six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. You can find out more about Michael’s experiences on his blog: http: //www.zehbel.wordpress.com