Veteran 7 24 2014

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VOL. 2/ISSUE 38

THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014

Highly regarded leader ‘on leave’ from Indian River council post Mary Kemper staff writer

mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com

Editor’s note: It is with much regret that Veteran Voice marks Marty Zickert’s transition from the presidency of the Indian River County Veterans Council. “Z,” as he is affectionately known by our staff, has been an invaluable help to us in sharing veterans’ stories. He was a natural candidate for our recurring “Veteran Vanguard” series. We wish him and his family well, now and in the future. It’s tough to put into words just how much Martin “Marty” Zickert has done for the veterans of Indian River County, but a large group of well-wishers gave it their best try at a reception for him June 16 at the Veterans Club of Vero Beach. The retired Air Force colonel is taking what associates call a “leave of absence” from the presidency of the council, due to his wife, Penny’s, health issues. Attending the tribute was one of Zickert’s six children, Mike, and his wife, Renee. The Zickerts are moving to Pensacola next week in order for Penny to be closer to family as she battles ovarian cancer. Though times are challenging for Zickert, he didn’t dwell on hardship, focusing rather on the positive. It’s something he is known for — his phone rings dozens of times a day, but in spite of health issues and moving issues, he answers each one and acts on them, with grace and humor. About his upcoming move, he said, simply, and with a smile: “We’ll be fine.” By his own account, Zickert became involved with the council only reluctantly — and it was Penny who gave him the spur, after they moved to Vero Beach from Pensacola, where he had been president of the local Military Officers Association of America chapter. He decided that, after the move, it was enough, and he was going to drop out of participation in any organization.

Staff photo by Mary Kemper Martin Zickert, standing, attends a reception in honor of his service with the Indian River Veterans Council along with his son, Mike, seated, right, and daughter-in-law Renee July 16 at the Veterans Club of Vero Beach. “Back in 2001, I wasn’t going to get involved in anything. But Penny said, ‘If you’re going to b**ch and moan about things, you’re going to have to get involved.” So, he attended a veterans luncheon, where he met Eric “Rip” Weiler, then president of the Indian River County Veterans Council. Weiler talked him into becoming a parliamentarian — “I figured six months, tops” — and the rest is the proverbial history. The following year Zickert was tapped to organize Memorial and Veterans Day events, and became a vice president. The next year, he became president. One of his biggest accomplishments came as a result of becoming allied with the Veterans Transportation Network, a partnership between the VA, Disabled American Veterans and participating counties. Counties supply vehicles to transport veterans to VA medical facilities, and the VA

“They said it (the Victory Center) would be guys waiting while their wives shopped around. I envisioned hippies with ponytails, with signs saying ‘Will work for food.’” Martin Zickert outgoing president Indian River Veterans Council maintains the vehicles. Volunteers drive the veterans to their appointments. Counties also must bear the costs of transportation — and the biggest roadblock Zickert faced in trying to increase funding was the fact that membership in the council was limited to veterans’ groups. So, Zickert opened up membership to

See ZICKERT page 7


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