Samuel Hickman

Background

About Samuel Hickman

I am a hard working, life-long learner. I'm always ready for a new challenge and to try to take my understanding or skills to the next level. I've worked in several fields over the years in search of a way to pursue my passions in a way that is fulfilling and beneficial to others. I spent 12 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, and completed two combat tours to Iraq from Aug 2006-Oct 2007 and Jun 2010-Jun 2011 as a Military Policeman (although my missions didn't look much like police work). I was also placed in a team leader position where I managed groups of 2 to 5 other soldiers to oversee their training and safety. Right out of high school I had several odd jobs as a receptionist, at a wire production factory, a household product testing facility (where I became very familiar with vacuum cleaners), a security guard company, and as an assistant for a National Guard recruiter. These jobs helped me to learn about how important it is to have a strong work ethic, to value timeliness, to create a positive work environment, and pay attention to detail. Between my deployments, I had the opportunity to start my college education. I completed all of my prerequisite courses at a community college before transferring to Auburn University for two semesters to begin my degree in Media Studies. During this time, I started working at a local radio station and fell in love with the medium. I did a little bit of everything except sales and enjoyed it tremendously. I was called back into military service and put my professional and education goals on hold for a little over a year. When I returned from my second tour, I worked as a messenger for an armored car company for a little over two years before returning to AU to finish my bachelor's and then master's degree in communication. I also have to give a tremendous amount of credit to my amazing, gorgeous wife of 14 years, and mother of our four crazy kids, Kristina. Without her love and support, I would be nothing.