Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry | Sue Parsons, La Porte, Ind., secures a patch to her son, Lt .Col. Don Heichel, the...... read more read more
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INDIANAPOLIS - La Porte, Indiana, native and the protection chief for the 38th Infantry Division was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony Sunday.
Indiana Army National Guard Lt. Col. Don Heichel, who has served in the military for approximately 27 years, received his new rank when his mother, Sue, and mother-in-law, Terry, pinned him.
"The rank of lieutenant colonel is defined by the U.S. Army as a successful officer's career," said Heichel. "To me, it is a good testimony to a strong military family with a lineage of history. My two grandfathers served our country during World War II, and my dad and stepdad during the Vietnam War. I'm proud to serve my country, and excited to accept the position of greater responsibility."
Many of Heichel's family members and peers attended the ceremony held at the 38th Infantry Division headquarters in Indianapolis.
Heichel enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve's 300th Military Police Brigade in 1989. He became a second lieutenant in 1995 after graduating from the Wisconsin National Guard's Officer Candidate School. He transferred to the Indiana National Guard in March 1996 and has served in many positions throughout the Hoosier State since that time.
In 2004, Heichel deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and assisted in training Afghan troops. While there he earned the combat infantryman's badge and the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. He deployed overseas in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and in 1992 to Panama.
| Date Taken: | 02.21.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2016 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 190062 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US |
| Hometown: | LA PORTE, IN, US |
| Hometown: | MICHIGAN CITY, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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