Veteran Salute: Topeka veteran reflects on Air Force service

TOPEKA (KSNT) – It’s been more than 50 years since the country’s last draft call. But one Topekan remembers it all too well.

Back in the days of lottery numbers for induction into the service, one Kansas native found himself in a situation ahead of the draft. John Deckert was lottery number 68, finding himself being chosen for the Army draft while in school.

After a call with his brother, he ultimately chose to look into a different branch that better aligned with his goals and interests. Deckert would end up dedicating years to the service.  

“I lost my college deferment,” Decker said. “So I was called to take my physical. And so I called my brother real quick. And he was in the Air Force at the time. And he says, Well, you better run down to the recruiter and maybe you can get in the Air Force before the Army gets here. So I did that, and so all that happened.”

During his four years, Deckert started as a 9 to 5 desk-based supply position in the Air Force. During his last year-and-a-half, he switched over to financial management, keeping track of how much money the different squadrons were spending. 

As if that wasn’t enough for Deckert, he also played on a basketball team and did honor guard duty for funerals. Although he worked on the base and not on the frontlines, he is still proud of his time in the military. 

“It just made me feel like I was doing something for the country and getting back to the part about just learning discipline and doing what you said you were going to do and putting in the time and the service,” Deckert said.

After leaving the Air Force, Deckert returned to school to finish his degree. Years later, he is now retired and volunteering his time at the Topeka American Legion, working with other local veterans and doing honor guards at funerals.  

If you know a veteran you would like to nominate and showcase, email veterans@ksnt.com or visit our website to submit a nomination! 

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