Career military people are often known as "lifers," but few actually serve as much of their lives in a military realm as has Ken Kunze.
Kunze is quick to answer why he joined the military - it was the influence of an uncle - Albert Kunze who died during World War II in the fighting in New Guinea.
According to Kunze, he was seven when his uncle left for the war. It wasn't long until they got the news that he would not be returning home. That stuck with him.
In 1954, Kunze turned 17. He joined the Missouri National Guard on Sept. 7, of that year. Two weeks later, he and the other new untrained recruits were called up to help out with the Jefferson City prison riot.
After training, Kunze was a vehicle mechanic from 1955-61, then was trained as an aircraft mechanic. From 1961-68, the family was in Warrensburg where he worked as a mechanic on three types of fixed-wing aircraft and three types of rotary-winged aircraft (helicopters). He worked on the single-engine aircraft - Birddog, Beaver and Otter - and helicopter types - OH23, OH58 and the UH1.
In 1968, Kunze began serving as Flight Operation Specialist in Jefferson City. He held that position until 1985, when he became a State Aviation Office Assistant Manager. He was promoted in 1987 to State Warehouse Supervisor, a position he held until 1993.
Kunze was discharged from the Guard on April 27, 1997, with the rank of Sergeant Major E-9, at 60 years of age.
Not many can report that they served 42 years, seven months, and 20 days in any kind of military organization. Even fewer are able to report having flown as a Guardian on 13 Honor Flights. He was able to assist veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam as they flew to Washington, D.C., and were able to see the memorials built in their honor.
"I've spent hours pushing wheelchairs for 200 pound veterans," Kunze said. He's listened to their stories and enjoyed their reactions as they see the memorials and open the letters on "mail call" on the flight back.
"I just love doing it," he said.
After retirement from the National Guard, Kunze was elected Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner, an office in which he continues today.