Joseph Chester Talarchek

CMSGT Joseph C. Talarchek, USAF (RET), born in Wilkes-Barre, PA passed away at the age of 93on February 15th, 2022 in Spokane, Washington. In 1946, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After completing basic training, he was sent to Boca Raton where he completed radar school and served as Instructor. He was then reassigned to various stateside bases, before being reassigned to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron on Okinawa. During the Korean War, he flew 36 combat missions as an enlisted Radar Operator. Other assignments included Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB), Forbes AFB, and Smoky Hill in avionics maintenance. In 1958, a tour in Thule, Greenland before reassignment to March AFB, Fairchild AFB again, and K. I. Sawyer AFB. In 1965, after completing Mutiplex school, he was assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii as Avionic Maintenance NCOIC to establish an avionics branch in the Airborne Command Post. He completed a four year tour and was reassigned to McChord AFB and Viet Nam. On return from Viet Nam, he was stationed at Bergstrom AFB and again to McChord AFB, where he retired as Avionics Maintenance Superintendent on November 1, 1974. During his military career, Joseph received the Air Medal with 1st OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Award with three OLC, Good Conduct Medal with five loops, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Medal. He was preceded in death by both his parents; wife of 57 years and love of his life, Myrtle; four brothers, John, Max, Frank and Chester; three sisters, Viola Tymitz, Judith Mill and Victoria Colarusso. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51, Loyal Order of the Moose, and Air Force Sergeants Association. Private graveside services with full military honors were at Fairmont Memorial Park, Spokane, Washington. Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).