Joseph B. Zurenko was born on December 3, 1962, in Cincinnatti, Ohio.

His grandfather served in the Army in WWI. His father served in the Navy in the Korean War. He heard numerous stories from his father about his fascination with Japan, its people, culture and customs, and natural beauty. Joe didn’t see the glaze in his dad’s eyes as would tell theses stories and day dream that he was there. To Joe they were interesting stories about a place far away. And he certainly didn’t meet too many Japanese people in Cincinnatti.

He was influenced by the stories and decided to join the Navy with the hope he could see Japan and other countries in the Far East. He enlisted at the same age his father did, 21, and attended Boot Camp in Orlando, FL. Joe’s plans came to fulfillment as he was assigned to USS REEVES (CG 24) at Yokosuka, Japan. His arrival date in Japan was, as he fondly remembers, April Fools Day, 1984!

He served aboard 3 years as an Engineman (EN3). During the three year tour, he sailed on three Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf deployments of 6 months each – typical fleet deployments.

Some memorable highlights of Joe’s tour of duty :

Most memorable event : USS REEVES was assigned to shadow the Russian aircraft carrier MINSK in the Sea of Japan to observe and film a missile shot by the Russian fleet. When his ship got close to MINSK, they played over the ship loudspeaker the Beattle song “Back in the USSR”. Despite being entertained by the American ship, the Russians didn’t cooperate and performed their launch in the fog at night.

Favorite liberty : Subic Bay, RP. He called it Fantasy Island and decided to leave it at that. Having been there numerous times, I can relate.

Most memorable shipmate : PO2 James Benko, his mentor who welcomed him to the ship and acted as a great big brother.

Funniest experience : Crossing the equator aboard the ship and enduring all the craziness of graduating from a Polliwog to a Shellback.

Joe detached from the Navy in 1987. He assumed the role of his father’s dreams and lived in Tokyo, Japan for 17 years. He became an employee of DOD and worked at the Navy and Air Force exchanges. He met his wife, Kayoko, at the famous Sanno Hotel in Tokyo where she worked at the front desk. They have been married for 17 years.

Joe returned to the U.S. in January 2004. He works at the Expo Design Center, a division of Home Depot, in Emeryville. He’s been a member of our post for a year.

And yes, Joe has enjoyed the success of making his dad jealous for over 20 years!

By George Bruno