A Lifetime of Oath and Action

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Jesse Hicks. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

For Jesse Hicks, the oath taken upon entering military service in 2007 was never a temporary commitment. As a U.S. Disabled Combat Navy Veteran, Jesse spent eight years on active duty, including deployments aboard the USS George H.W. Bush in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Then, after transitioning to civilian life, he channeled that same dedication into federal service at the Indianapolis Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). There, his guidance supported thousands of incoming service members, earning him multiple Army Civilian Service Achievement Medals and Employee of the Year honors. 

At the local level, Jesse dedicates between 25 and 40 hours every month to community care in Johnson County, working directly on the front lines of crisis intervention. His efforts help find emergency shelter, food and long-term stability for unhoused veterans, while bridging the gap to employment for those struggling to find work. Through his local leadership, he has driven 3,243 volunteer hours, $26,967 in donations and $136,377 in direct community support, strengthening the safety net for vulnerable families. 

Jesse also specializes in structural excellence and institutional revitalization. His exceptional management earned him the highest honors the Veterans of Foreign Wars can bestow at the local level: All American and All State Post Commander, alongside All American and All State Quartermaster. As the Senior Vice Commander for VFW District 7, his strategic oversight helps guide multiple posts across Central Indiana. This collaborative district-level mobilization has yielded 22,951 volunteer hours, over $285,000 in donations and more than $1 million in total regional community support. 

Jesse actively serves as the Captain of the Guard in the Scottish Rite Lodge, backing children’s medical programs, educational scholarships and emergency family relief across the state through the Scottish Rite, Shrine, and Widow Sons. His appointment as a VFW National Aide-de-Camp allows him to represent Indiana’s veterans at the highest levels. Across every tier of service, Jesse continues to build systems that help ensure no veteran, family or youth is left behind. 

Tell us about your volunteer role. 

I currently serve as the Senior Vice Commander for VFW District 7, where I help lead and support multiple VFW posts across Central Indiana. My role includes mentoring post officers, coordinating district‑wide service projects, strengthening compliance and operations, and ensuring that veterans and their families receive consistent, high‑quality support across the district. District leadership means I’m responsible for the health, performance and impact of an entire region of veteran organizations — not just one post. 

Before stepping into district leadership, I served as Post Commander of VFW Post 6978, where I led the post through major growth in community service, financial accountability and veteran outreach. I also served as Senior Vice Commander, House Committee Chairman and in multiple operational roles that strengthened the post’s long‑term stability. 

Beyond the VFW, I serve as an officer in both the Scottish Rite and Jubilee Lodge #746, where I support statewide charitable programs, youth initiatives and fraternal service projects. My work in these organizations includes supporting children’s medical care, statewide charitable outreach and community‑building efforts that reach far beyond a single town or county. Across all organizations, my volunteer work is hands‑on, leadership‑driven and focused on building strong, sustainable institutions that serve people with dignity, purpose and compassion. 

Why is getting involved so important to you? 

As a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, service is not something I left behind when I took off the uniform — it’s something that continues to define my life. I served eight years as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, deploying aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, supporting flight operations, training junior sailors and contributing to missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. 

I’ve seen the challenges veterans face — from navigating benefits to finding community after service. I’ve also seen how much families sacrifice alongside them. Supporting veterans and strengthening the organizations that serve them is deeply personal to me. It’s a way to honor those who served before me, stand beside those who serve now and help those who will serve in the future. 

What inspires you to volunteer?

My inspiration comes from the leaders, mentors, and volunteers who shaped my life — the people who stepped in when I needed guidance, direction or support. When I joined the VFW and the Masonic fraternity, I saw firsthand how powerful it is when people unite around service. 

My federal civilian career at the Indianapolis MEPS also shaped my commitment. Supporting the enlistment and readiness of thousands of new service members each year reminded me how important strong veteran organizations are — not just for those who served decades ago, but for the young men and women stepping forward today. I didn’t want to just be a member. I wanted to be someone who builds, strengthens and leads these organizations so they can continue serving long after I’m gone. 

What are your long-term plans or goals? 

My long‑term goal for VFW District 7 is to build a district where every post is strong, active and deeply connected to its community. That means developing future leaders, strengthening training and communication, expanding community service programs, improving accountability and operational readiness, and ensuring every veteran who walks through our doors finds support, purpose and belonging. 

In my Masonic roles, my goal is to continue supporting statewide charitable work, youth programs and the fraternal values that strengthen families and communities. I want to leave behind organizations that are stronger, more resilient and more impactful than when I stepped into leadership. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

The most rewarding moments are the ones where you see the impact directly — a veteran getting connected to resources they didn’t know existed, a family receiving support during a difficult time or a community event bringing people together who might never have met otherwise. Seeing the numbers is meaningful. But seeing the faces behind those numbers is what stays with me. 

Those moments remind me why service matters. They’re the reason I put in the hours, the travel, the meetings and the behind‑the‑scenes work that most people never see. 

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering? 

I’ve learned that leadership is about consistency, humility and doing the work even when no one is watching. I’ve learned that small actions — a phone call, a ride, a conversation, a meal — can change someone’s entire day or even their life. 

I’ve also learned that no organization succeeds because of one person. Success comes from teams, partnerships and a willingness to collaborate. When people work together, the impact multiplies. And I’ve learned that service is not a job — it’s a way of life. 

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about? 

Communities thrive when people step forward. When individuals get involved, they bring new energy, new ideas and new strengths that make organizations better. Volunteering also gives people a sense of purpose and connection that’s hard to find anywhere else. When more people engage, the entire community becomes stronger, more resilient and more compassionate. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Start small, start local, and start with something you genuinely care about. You don’t need a title or a big commitment; just show up once. Be reliable, be willing to learn and don’t be afraid to ask where help is needed. Volunteering isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. If you bring heart and consistency, you’ll make a difference. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Jesse? Find local volunteer opportunities.