Kenneth Hartka: Army veteran served in Asia

By Amy Haggerty

“Serving in the military can help a person learn and see a lot,” Kenneth Hartka said. “People in the military are great people. They give a lot.”

Kenneth Hartka of Gregory, currently 77 years old, joined the Army July 8, 1962. He was stationed in Taipei, Taiwan for 15 months and three months in Karat, Thailand. While overseas, he was ranked as a specialist 4th grade and signal corps officer, responsible for communications.

While serving inTaiwan, Hartka recalled Sept. 11, 1963. On that terrible day, typhoon Gloria hit the island and was recorded as the worst storm in 50 years.

Hartka married Loretta Schwarz on Dec. 4, 1970, and they raised 4 children, Brian, Kevin, LeAnn and Theresa. He attended school in Nankin Township in the Westland, Michigan area, specifically Nankin Elementary School and Plymouth High School.

Hartka said he joined the Army to receive a good education and for the possibility of seeing some of the world. “Serving in the military can help a person learn and see a lot,” he said. “People in the military are great people. They give a lot.”

He said he enjoyed his time in Asia and felt his whole experience was memorable. While in the Army, he received some electronics training, and when he came home he was offered a job at the 3M Company as a field service technician.