Enlisted in the 122TFW in OCT 1959 as an AGE technician and participated in the Berlin Crisis at Chambly, France from October 1961 to July 1962. Saw my first F-100 there. Never dreamed that I would ever get to fly one. Was able to qualify, in 1965, for a direct commission (E5 to 01 as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer) to go to pilot training.
Attended UPT at Laredo AFB. Had some phenomenal instructors just back from Viet Nam. Was always stationed at FWA with the 122FW. Worked by day as a civilian and flew night, hence the nickname.
Held many staff jobs including, Chief of SE, Plans, Command Post, and Safety, in addition to being in the cockpit for 28 years.
Given the world situation, I was able to travel all over the world with the 122FW and on some special assignments with the Guard Bureau.
Ended up with 3700 hours of fighter time. Would not trade the experience for anything.
Henry Gallmeyer, LTC USAF (Ret) “Headed West” on February 2, 2018.
Henry “Hank” Gallmeyer, 75, passed away Feb. 2, 2018, at Adams Memorial Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Hank leaves behind many personal and professional accomplishments, life-long, dedicated friends and a loving family, especially his faithful wife of nearly 52 years of marriage, Carolyn, and proud children and grandchildren.
Hank was born in Fort Wayne and raised in rural Adams County, where he remained his entire life (“where life is real!”). He was a 1960 graduate of Monmouth High School in Decatur, then worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne.
However, his fascination of the big blue yonder launched him into his life-long passion, flying fighter jets for the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Fort Wayne. Lt. Col. Gallmeyer logged 3,645 hours of flight time in the F-84F, F-100C, F-4C, F-4E and F-16, while proudly serving his country over a span of 38 years. He also served in active duty status as the Chief of Safety for the Fort Wayne base for the five years preceding his retirement in 1995.
Hank was ever curious and a problem solver at heart, and his civilian career took many directions. He and Carolyn owned and operated Gallmeyer Enterprises in the mid-70s until the farming recession, where he repaired large farm machinery out of his own shop. For a time, he also owned and managed a fleet of 18-wheelers that delivered bulk commodities across the country.
He built a distinguished career as a quality control engineer and worked for notable companies like Magnavox, Prestolite and Navistar (retired). Hank never knew the real meaning of “retirement,” so he continued to consult and even started a new position at Case New Holland at the age of 70 and commuted to Chicago for two years.
Hank earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Indiana Institute of Technology. He also achieved the highest honor of Fellow with the American Society of Quality, and served as the Chairman of Chapter 0905.
His hobbies included spending time in his shop working on various projects, like restoring old tractors. He was also devoted to his 200-plus fruit tree orchard and was often out standing in his field of sweet corn. He loved to take an afternoon to fish when they were biting. He also visited his kids and grandkids regularly.
Hank was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble, where he served as a church elder. He also served as a member of the National Board of Directors for Lutherans for Life.
Among survivors are his faithful, dedicated wife, Carolyn (Thiele) Gallmeyer; daughters, Kristina (Gallmeyer) Vaughn of Evergreen, Colorado, and Lisa (George Andreadakis) Gallmeyer of Minnetonka, Minnesota; son, Ryan (Tracy) Gallmeyer, of Carmel, Indiana; granddaughters, Anna Vaughn, Mia Vaughn, Paige Gallmeyer and Brynn Gallmeyer; grandson, Beckett Gallmeyer; brother, Jim Gallmeyer of New Haven; as well as a loving extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emelie and Harold Gallmeyer; half-sister, Lucille Steffey; and sister-in-law, Jane Gallmeyer.
Funeral services were held on Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Preble. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with military graveside services conducted by the American Legion Post 43 Color Guard.
In lieu of flowers, Hank’s family requests preferred memorials are given in his honor to St. Paul Lutheran Church-Preble; The Hope Clinic (Decatur); or Family LifeCare-Hospice.
Published by Decatur Daily Democrat from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2018.
