Colonel (Ret.) Harry Icke has lived a life that spans continents, cultures, and callings. Born in San Antonio, he spent over 30 years in the US Air Force, flying missions in Vietnam, serving at NATO headquarters, and commanding air defense units in Europe and across the US. Each assignment added to a growing sense of perspective—and a deep respect for the ways people live, lead, and love across the globe.
After retiring from active duty, Harry returned to flying as a commercial pilot with ATA, logging international routes well into his fifties. Travel was never just a job—it was a family rhythm that shaped his children and deepened his view of the world.
These days, Harry is navigating a new kind of mission: caring for Betsy, his wife of nearly 59 years, now living with Alzheimer’s. He visits daily. “It’s hard,” he says plainly, “but she’s still in there.”
When asked what advice he’d offer younger men, he doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t be afraid to try. Fail if you have to. But keep going. There’s still a lot to learn.”