Vance Meinecke was born January 6, 1926 in Herkimer, KS the son of Emil and Frida Meinecke. He attended Herkimer Public Grade School, continued his education in Marysville, graduating from Marysville High School. Meinecke enlisted in the Army Air force when he was 17 years old and was drafter on his 18th birthday. He attended Army Training Camp in Jefferson Barracks, MO then attended college in Springfield MO where he completed education and Army Training. Meinecke flew the PT-19 at primary training camp, then flew the BT-13 at basic training camp and the AT-6 at the advanced training camp. Meineke was ready to graduate when World War II ended. On the day the war ended he was told he could go home.. Meineke lived in Marysville KY working for the railroad until transferred to Kansas City.