1970 was a busy year for John E. Mallo. In August, John graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stout. In September, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, and in December he married Cheryl Larson. Three major life changes all within five months.

John received basic training at Fort Campbell, Ky. and his advanced training at Fort Sill, Okla. where he trained in Fire Direction Control for Artillery and Intelligence.

After advanced training, John shipped out to Zirndorf, Germany where he was stationed with the 1st Battalion Headquarters, 22nd Artillery, a 155 mm Howitzer Unit. He started in Fire Direction Control but finished in S3 Operations.

While in Germany, John and Cheryl lived on the economy and did some traveling throughout Europe. He was honorably discharged from active duty in April 1972.