David Ickes: Veteran of the Month | September 2024

Ickes grew up in rural northwest Ohio, spending much of his childhood on a farm. As an only child, he filled his days with outdoor activities such as fishing, target shooting, and hunting for Indian artifacts. He was also passionate about coin collecting and was involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he developed skills in farm business management. This quiet yet active childhood on the farm would later lay the foundation for the structured and disciplined life he would lead in the military.

 

In November 1985, when President Ronald Reagan was focused on rebuilding the military, Ickes enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class. He began his service at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was recognized as an honor soldier. His specialized training as a Material Control & Accounting Specialist at Fort Lee, Virginia, further solidified his dedication to excellence, earning him the title of distinguished graduate.

 

Ickes’ journey through the Army was marked by continual learning and leadership development. From the Primary Leadership Development Course in Katterbach, West Germany, to the Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course back at Fort Lee, Ickes consistently demonstrated his capability and drive. He also took on various roles, including forklift operation, inventory tracking, and large vehicle management, all in support of rotary-wing aircraft and, later, wheeled vehicles.

 

Ickes’ military career spanned nine and a half years, including a significant deployment during the Gulf War. Stationed in Southwest Asia, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, David was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division, supporting the effort with vital inventory management for wheeled vehicle parts. His work extended to refueling tanks during Desert Sabre, the final offensive that helped breach the Iraqi lines. During this pivotal moment in U.S. military history, Ickes’s role was crucial to ensuring that troops on the ground had the resources they needed to push forward.

 

Ickes shared a unique story from his military service that illustrates the often unseen impact of everyday tasks. While working in the Aircraft on Ground (AOG) section at the National Inventory Control Point (NICP), David received a call from someone claiming to be at Cape Canaveral, requesting an overnight shipment of a large generator. Initially skeptical, Ickes coordinated the shipment, thinking little of it at the time. The next day, he learned that his efforts helped ensure the timely launch of a space shuttle. Ickes stated, “Just goes to show how the little things we all did every day, while wearing the uniform, often had a big impact on others, even when we all just considered it part of the mission.” This moment highlights how even minor tasks and often unnoticed contributions can make an incredible difference for our country.

 

Ickes received numerous awards throughout his service, including two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. These accolades serve as a testament to his dedication and the positive impact he made throughout his military career.

 

Upon completing his service in the Army, Ickes made O’Fallon, Missouri, his home, along with his wife of 27 years, Dana. They have worked together to raise a wonderful family consisting of two sons and two daughters. Their family keeps getting bigger and better, as they are now the proud and blessed grandparents of nine grandsons.

 

Ickes’ commitment to education is evident in his impressive academic achievements. He earned an Associate of Accounting degree from Northwestern Business College, graduating Cum Laude. He later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia College, Summa Cum Laude, and completed his education with a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University.

 

In his civilian career, Ickes currently holds a position at The Boeing Company, where he is responsible for managing F-15 parts for international customers. In addition to this role, he offers consulting services in lean manufacturing through Solution Tech CI., actively contributing to continuous improvement in the industry.

 

The discipline Ickes learned in the military continues to influence his life today. “I learned to stay on task until the goal is achieved,” he says. This mindset has carried over into his professional and personal life, where he takes pride in his work and his contributions to his community. His patriotism remains strong. “This is still the greatest country in the world,” Ickes states proudly. “I wouldn’t trade places and be anywhere but here.”

 

Veterans Care Coordination is proud to recognize David Ickes for his service to our country. We are privileged to have the opportunity to share the stories of our nation’s heroes. Thank you for your service, David.