The Good Life – May-June 2018

GIVING BACK
A story all too common among soldiers, Hicks
admits to having had a difficult time adjusting
when he first returned from overseas.
"That's probably one of the biggest reasons
I focus on the veterans groups... I can relate,"
he said. "There's always something bigger than
yourself – so many things we can do to make
this better for everybody.”
Having been involved with the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) since 1993, Hicks became
one of the youngest commanders during his
first term from 1998-2000, and later served a
second term from 2010-2014.
Currently, he’s most active with the color
guard, marching in parades, conducting flag
presentations and teaching flag etiquette to
kids. If it isn’t obvious at first sight, Pizarro
says Hicks’ dedication shines through when
honoring Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN – an
organization that sends area veterans to their
memorials in Washington D.C., free of charge.
“He’ll say, 'It's going to be super hot. We're on
the runway but you're going to be in uniform
and represent the VFW because the VFW
represents these guys. I don't want to hear any
shake and bake about how awful it's going to
be. We're going to do it for the honor of these
people,'" Pizarro explained. “And we’ll do it with
a gracious heart.”
Respect is hard to come by but perhaps it’s the
bond that only service members can attest to –
the “brotherhood" as Hicks says – that makes
it all worth it.
"It wouldn't matter if you're a Korean War
veteran or a war on terrorism vet, you all have
that (bond),” Hicks said. “For example, there's a
guy at the Fargo VFW and he was with the 7th
infantry regiment of the 3rd infantry division...
so was I. So we salute each other with our
motto. He's a Korean War vet and I'm – what? –
a third of his age? It's really cool."
SERVING … WITH A BADGE
Hicks retired from Army in 2007 but he
has continued serving in other ways. After
graduating from Minnesota State University
There's always something
bigger than yourself -
so many things we can
do to make this better
for everybody.
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