SGT Cantrell joined the US Air Force August 1969 and served Honorably thru May 1973. During his time on Active duty he was assigned to the Air Force Technical Applications Center, a part of the Air Force intelligence surveillance. AFTAC is the leading edge of technological research and the evaluation of verification technologies for current and future treaties involving weapons of mass destruction that threaten national security while in Vietnam. Sgt Cantrell was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal