A.J. Ryan was a Major in the US military and Steve Tanner's CO when he was stationed at Burtonwood. In June 1967, when Steve got engaged to Elsie Tanner, a British national, Elsie was required to meet with the Major to obtain his permission to marry Steve. Expecting a lengthy interrogation, Elsie brought along her birth certificate and divorce papers, but in the event these were not required and Ryan only asked her a few questions relating to her previous marriage, children, and her impression of America due to her intention to reside there. Elsie was embarrassed to admit that she had been married when she first met Steve during the war and feared that it would prejudice him against her. Later, on an impatient Elsie's orders Steve checked in with Ryan to see if he had decided to approve th