A native of Glennville, Georgia., U.S. Army retired Lieutenant General Claude M. “Mick” Kicklighter has been inducted into the 2022 Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame (GMVHOF).

Announcement of the induction, together with those of 14 other deserving veterans into the Class of 2022, was made by 2013 GMVHOF Founder Col. Paul Longgrear (USA-Ret) of Pine Mountain.

Commissioned as a Regular Army officer in 1955 at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, Gen. Kicklighter has been a longtime public servant who has been recognized for devoting more than 50 years of combined military and public service to his country.

After serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, Gen. Kicklighter went on to lead command positions in 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado; 24th Infantry Division in Hawaii; Allied Forces Europe, The Netherlands; U.S. Army Materiel and Readiness Command, Alexandria, Virginia; ultimately retiring as Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii.  

He received multiple awards for his military service, among them:  Distinguished Service Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as a Bronze Star Medal.

Following his Army retirement in 1991, Gen. Kicklighter continued to serve his country by appointment to several cabinet level defense and veterans affairs positions as well as contributing his efforts to a multitude of charitable organizations.  For his civilian endeavors, he was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and Presidential Citizens Medal, among other distinguished recognitions.

According to Hall of Fame Director and Chairman of the Board Col. Rick White (USA-Ret), Hall of Fame nominees must have ties to Georgia and qualify in one of three categories:  valor for heroic action in combat; outstanding achievement while in service; or significant local, state, or national contributions after leaving active duty.

“This year’s honorees will be inducted during the 10th Annual Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony and Banquet at noon on November 5, 2022, in St. Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th St. in Columbus,” Col. White said.  

He advises that, while this event is open to the public, seating is limited.  Advanced reservation details may be accessed on the Hall of Fame website at http://www.GMVHOF.org.