Page 44 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2024 - Online Magazine

air Force
U-2, and where his son, Austin, was born. Five weeks
later, newborn and 3-year-old in tow, they flew home
to Texas and Randolph AFB, where Garry trained
new instructor pilots in the T-37. Randolph became
the longest assignment for this nomadic military
family, but it came with a caveat: a one year remote
in Cyprus, 7000 miles away, while Garry’s young
family continued their life in San Antonio. Upon his
return, they moved to DC, and Garry worked at the
Pentagon, even participating in ‘Take Your Daughter
to Work Day’ with Kara!
In 1999, Garry transferred back to Beale, where he
served as a squadron commander and flew the U-2.
Beale gave his kids the same calm upbringing that
peacetime had afforded Garry in Nebraska.
Then 9/11 happened. In the rapid global
deployment of the American military, Garry
and his family were sent to South Korea.
In Korea, the kids, sleeping with military-
issued gas masks under their beds, were a
constant reminder they were not in peacetime
Nebraska. While stationed in Korea, Garry was
commander of the combat plans squadron and
was promoted to Colonel; his family pinned his
silver eagles.
In 2005, Garry brought his family back to San
Antonio, where he served as Commander
of the USAF Information Operations Battle
Lab. In February 2007, he retired from the Air
Force. His retirement ceremony took place at
44 Lubbock Senior Link
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the Alamo, and
many friends, Air
Force and civilian,
showed up to celebrate a remarkable 26-
year career. That same month, he began
his new vocation: Director of Aviation for
United Supermarkets in Lubbock, Texas, the
very place his flying career began.
Today, he flies with his friend, colleague,
and former Marine Aviator, Jack Mills. He
says, “Kim had always told me I couldn’t
retire from the Air Force unless I had a
job. United Supermarkets had purchased a
beautiful new jet, and they had called and
offered me the job here in Lubbock. I could
not have found a better company. They
let us fly a great jet and treat Jack and me
royally! It is a joy to be back in Lubbock and flying for
United.”
He is also a Certified Flight Instructor and continues
to help new pilots achieve their goals. He serves as a
shepherd in his church, Broadway Church of Christ,
where “the people are family.”
Reflecting on his storied life as an aviator, one thread
is sewn throughout. The patch on his flight suit may
have declared Solum Volamus, but surrounded by
dedicated comrades and friends across the years and
with his family by his side wherever he went, he says,
“I was never truly alone.”