John Joseph Burek, Jr. joined the Air Force on 5 June 1961, at the age of 17 (to be 18 in August). His training was in Amarillo AFB, TX. As an administrative Specialist (E4) he was transferred to Tempeloff, Germany shortly after the Berlin wall was erected. He was relieved from active duty on 28 October 1964. He was relieved from his Reserve obligation on 4 June 1967.