A native of Panama City, Florida, MSGT Harry Warren Quickel, Jr. began military service in 1943 with a two and a half year enlistment in the Navy. Following discharge from the Navy, he returned to civilian life for two years. He re-enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 for what became a twenty two year career in the Air Force.

Flight duties as the Boom Operator on KB-50 Tankers began in 1960. This marked the beginning of the most rewarding and challenging period of his Air Force career. The following years would bring the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs and Vietnam War. He transitioned to the KC-135 Tanker in 1964.

During the Sixties, the primary mission of the Air Force Tankers was refueling the B-52 Bombers and Fighters that served to discourage nuclear aggression from hostile foreign countries, particularly the Soviet Union. In this role, aircraft and crews were placed on alert status for one out of three weeks. MSGT Quickel and his highly trained colleagues resided in bunkers beside their fully loaded and fueled aircraft, ready to defend the country at a moments notice. Flying skills were fine tuned with regular practice of combat operations.

The Vietnam War was dragging on. The thunderous sound of scrambling, camouflaged B-52s and their supporting Tankers was a source of annoyance to some in those days. His children sat in class at the local schools beneath the flight path of the low flying aircraft as teachers voices were drowned out. The children's hearts swelled with pride.

During the Vietnam Era, MSGT Quickel went TDY to South East Asia on two occasions logging 128 missions in support of air combat operations. He was appointed a "YOUNG TIGER" at the completion of his first tour of duty in December of 1965. This was recognition for participation in YOUNG TIGER operations. These missions were especially demanding on the Boom Operator refueling combat aircraft often critically low on fuel, with pilots facing capture or worse if they had to bail out over enemy territory.

Decorations include the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters and National Defense Service Medal with bronze star.

Married to Kathryn Ann Lindsey for thirty years they raised three sons and a daughter, all forever proud of their Father's service to our Nation. - In Honor of our Father - Larry, Steve, David and Katie