I asked if he ever talked about it. Stu Stanley shook his head no. Did they find out anyway? “Always.”

Maj. Stu Stanley (Ret.) grew up in Brooklyn, New York. From an early age he knew that he had a path set out in front of him. To be a United States Army Special Forces member. But when he turned 16 in 1971, a new love entered his life through his television set. Disco. Soul Train had just started airing and young Stu felt himself drawn to the colorful costumes and funky sounds. He started sneaking into the various disco clubs around New York City and though still underage, he had a natural gift for the moves. He became very well known throughout the clubs and scene and started getting media attention. Soon he was known as the unofficial face of disco.

But when he turned 18 in 1973, he had his other love came to the forefront. “America had been tied up in Vietnam for what seemed like forever. And even though most people I knew didn’t agree with my decision, I knew my country needed me to serve in a different capacity than just gyrating my hips to a beat. America just called my name, and I said I’ll be there.”

He left the popular disco club Leviticus still in his roller skates and boogalooed his way down to a recruiting office. He walked in the door and requested to join Special Forces.