Submitted by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri – When he was 19 years old, Sgt. 1st Class Doyle Wicker wanted to be a part of history, be an active force in the ever-changing world around him and beyond. 

He joined the military and found what he was looking for.

“I really wanted to be a part of history instead of just reading about it,” said Wicker. “I wanted to serve my country.”

In 1987 he ended his military service, but the call to serve and the camaraderie stayed with him, and in 1998 he joined the Missouri National Guard.

Unlike the Active Army, where he has been stationed in multiple locations over three years, he wanted to stay closer to home and Family.

“I missed the brotherhood the military offers but I wanted to serve my own community,” said Wicker. “This way I could serve my nation but be home.”

The Guard allowed him to still serve communities across the world and one of his most rewarding moments in his career was during a deployment with the 1140th Engineer Battalion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004 – 2005.

“It was my first time going to war,” said Wicker.

As a squad leader, the deployment was also the first time he led troops into a combat zone and the experience and responsibility was gratifying.

“I defended our nation, but I really was a part of history and had a role in shaping it not only for myself but for the men I led,” he said.

In 2005 he became a recruiter - coupled with his deployment experiences and his inspiration to join the Guard – Wicker brings his enthusiasm and experience to anyone who walks into his office.

“It’s enjoyable to tell people about what I feel are best kept secrets in the military,” said Wicker. “We’re hometown Soldiers, a part of the oldest branch in the military, you serve your nation but you serve your community.”

The Guard has allowed him to help people, change their lives but reach his own personal rewarding goals, and he hopes to share that with others.

Most importantly when people think about the military, he wants people to think about him - a small hometown guy from Southeast Missouri that has changed and shaped his own and other people lives, been a lot of places, but always back home where he wants to be.

“I want to help people change their own lives and reach their goals,” said Wicker. “There are so many things you can do with the Guard and I’m the guy you’re going to get the truth about it from.”

Wicker is supported in his military career by his wife, Angie, and their children Gabby, 13, and Katie, 8. Wicker is a recruiter for the Missouri National Guard in Stoddard and northern Dunklin counties.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, you can contact Sgt. 1st Class Doyle Wicker at 573-380-0255, or please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites.