As the 30th annual Bataan Memorial Death March brought nearly 8,600 people to New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range, the Exchange’s Jane Hickok reflected on her 30 years of managing the installation’s store and serving every participant in every one of the commemorative events.
“Meeting the people, some of whom are survivors of the actual death march, and hearing them tell you their stories is a truly humbling experience,” Hickok said. “I have been honored to make sure we provide them with everything they need, to meet them, to talk to them, to hear them tell their stories that they’re so happy to tell, and to shake the hands of the survivors and say, ‘Thanks for your service.’”
In June, Hickock will retire from the Exchange after a 40-year career, 30 years spent managing the store at the White Sands Missile Range, about 45 miles from Fort Bliss, Texas. She and her husband, Ron, plan to move to Las Cruces, N.M., 22 miles from White Sands, but she promised she’ll be back for the next Bataan Memorial Death March.
Honored, humbled
She may even start training once she retires to participate in the arduous 26.2-mile trek. She’s already done the 14.2-mile part of the march three times.
“There is absolutely no way that I would miss it,” Hickok said, adding in an almost reverent tone, “It’s a fabulous event, especially when you think about everything the march stands for, the people who come to participate. Being with them in the march would be an honor for me. I would be so humbled to be among this Nation’s heroes who sacrificed so much.”
“I love what I do here. Every day, we serve those who serve, listen to their stories and look after them. It’s been an honor to be here for them.”
Hickok began her career as a cashier at the Exchange in Bad Kissingen, Germany in 1979 and moved to the jewelry department at Fort Bliss in 1983. Three years later, she was promoted to sales area manager and then in 1988 to manager of the missile range’s Exchange.
In fact, she met her husband, Ron, during her first day on the job when he served as resource manager for an organization at White Sands. They met about how the installation handles bad checks. Two years later, they were married—and have lived on the installation ever since.
Her stepdaughters, Becky and Holly, enjoyed their many visits to the tightly knit community as they were growing up. Some say it’s way out in the middle of nowhere in New Mexico, where everybody knows each other and their names.
‘A true sense of family’
Nine years ago, Ron retired as a Department of Defense civilian employee after a 37-year career. During that time, he served as deputy garrison commander at White Sands, a position filled by a civilian.
“White Sands is a wonderful community with a true sense of family and all the organizations working as one big team.” Hickok said. “Being on an isolated installation, you get to know everybody, from all organizations, the people in the housing office to people at the gym. I love the store and my staff (10 associates). I have gotten incredible support from our Exchange team at Fort Bliss.
“I love what I do here. Every day, we serve those who serve, listen to their stories and look after them. It’s been an honor to be here for them.”
Many of the people participating in the march also shop at the White Sands Exchange.
She conceded she’ll miss the White Sands camaraderie that can’t be found at larger installations. She plans to spend more time with her three grandchildren and playing golf—and training for the next Bataan Memorial Death March.
“I wouldn’t miss the march for the world,” Hickok said. “I want to be here to thank them for their service.”
Leave a Reply