SSgt Calvin Eugene Hicklin Jr.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the world lost a courageous airman, a devoted son, a beloved brother, a cherished family member, and a loyal friend when Staff Sergeant Calvin Eugene Hicklin Jr. completed his earthly journey at the age of 30. Calvin was born on February 22, 1996, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From the moment he entered this world, he brought an abundance of joy, love, and happiness into the lives of those blessed to know him. Affectionately known as "Pooda Man," "Quad 3," "LoveBug," "CJ," Calvin possessed a personality as memorable as the life he lived. He was intelligent, hardworking, straightforward, funny, outgoing, adventurous, and fiercely protective of those he loved. He had a strong sense of self, an unwavering determination to accomplish his goals, and a genuine spirit that made lasting impressions on everyone he encountered. Calvin was never one to pretend to be someone he was not. He believed in being authentic, speaking his mind, and standing firm in his convictions. His honesty was unmistakable, his loyalty was unquestionable, and his love for his family and friends ran deep. For Calvin, military service was not simply a career. It was a calling that began when he was just two years old. While most children his age were still discovering the world around them, Calvin had already declared that he wanted to become a soldier. It was a dream he carried throughout his childhood and into adulthood, never losing sight of the path he wanted to pursue. Calvin attended Luella High School in Locust Grove, Georgia, where he was an active member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) for all four years of high school. His participation in JROTC strengthened his leadership abilities, discipline, sense of responsibility, and commitment to service. Those four years helped establish the foundation for the military career he had envisioned since he was a little boy. In 2014, Calvin proudly graduated from Luella High School. Following graduation, he briefly attended Clayton State University. Although he pursued higher education, his childhood dream of serving in the military remained close to his heart.

Following his time at Clayton State University, Calvin entered the

workforce when he accepted his very first job at Sheltering Arms Early Childhood Center at Oakley Township. There, Calvin worked in the kitchen, helping prepare meals for the young children attending the center. His work contributed to providing the children with the nourishment they needed throughout their day, making him part of an environment dedicated to their care, growth, and development. For three years, Calvin faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities at Sheltering Arms. His dedication to his work reflected the hardworking, dependable, and committed young man he was becoming. Although his position was in the kitchen, his contribution extended beyond preparing meals. Through his work, he helped support the daily well-being of children during some of the most important years of their development. Even as he worked and established himself as a young adult, Calvin never His

time at Sheltering Arms represented an important chapter in his life. It was where he gained valuable work experience, strengthened his sense of responsibility, and continued preparing for the future he had always envisioned.abandoned the dream he had carried since he was two years old. Answering the Call to Serve In January 2020, Calvin made the life-changing decision to fulfill his childhood dream by enlisting in the United States Air Force. What had begun as the dream of a little boy had finally become a reality. During his six years of military service, Calvin earned the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt), a reflection of his dedication, discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence. His military career included administrative service supporting an Air Force Special Operations unit, where his professionalism, organizational abilities, attention to detail, and strong work ethic contributed to the mission and the service members he supported. Calvin understood that every role in the military carried responsibility and purpose. Whether working behind the scenes or alongside his fellow airmen, he approached his duties with pride and determination. He was not merely wearing a uniform. He was living the dream he had carried since childhood. Calvin's dedication, leadership, and exceptional work ethic earned him numerous military honors, including 5th Combat Communications Group Force Support Airman of the Year (2022), Airman Leadership School Academic Achievement Award (2024), 461st Air Control Wing A1 Airman of the Year (2024), and AFSOC Commander's Support Staff of the Year (2025). He was also awarded the Air and Space Achievement Medal and Air and Space Commendation Medal. These distinguished accomplishments reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence and honorable service to his country. From a two-year-old little boy who dreamed of becoming a soldier, to a young man helping nourish children at Sheltering Arms, to a United States Air Force Staff Sergeant, Calvin's life was a testament to perseverance, determination, service, and the power of following one's dreams. Calvin leaves behind a loving family and a circle of cherished friends whose lives have been forever enriched by his presence. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted mother, Erica Thompson, and his stepfather, Aris Thompson Jr. ; his father, Calvin E. Hicklin Sr., and his stepmother, Stephanie Hicklin. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Dominic David and his wife, Sarah, and Malcolm Thompson; his sister, Monique David; his stepbrother, Hunter Harrison; and his stepsisters, Iree Thompson and Oceannah Rose Harrison. Calvin's memory will live on through his grandmother, Mary E. Hurley and his step-grandfather Anthony Hurley; his great-grandmother, Mary F. Hicklin; his nephews, Teryn, Kadir, and Asir; and his niece, Daria. His memory will forever be treasured by his godparents, Stephanie Quick and Quadre Washington; his aunt, Lisa Hurley; his uncles, Phil Starke and his wife Bridget, Brian Starke and his wife Carolyn; and a host of extended family members and loved ones. Calvin also shared lifelong friendships with his childhood best friends, Joshua

Simon and Keith Oblitas. Their bonds were woven into the fabric of his life, creating memories and experiences that will be cherished for years to come. He will also be remembered by his fellow airmen, military colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched during his years of service. The Final Salute Staff Sergeant Calvin Eugene Hicklin Jr. lived a life marked by determination, integrity, courage, loyalty, and love. He was a young man who dared to dream and possessed the discipline to turn that dream into reality. He served his country with pride, loved his family deeply, cherished his friendships, and approached life with authenticity and

purpose. Thirty years could never be enough for those who loved him. There were more memories to create, more milestones to celebrate, more adventures to experience, and more chapters of life yet to be written. But the true measure of a life is not found solely in the number of years lived. It is found in the love shared, the lives touched, the dreams fulfilled, and the legacy left behind.

Calvin's legacy will live on through his family, his friends, his fellow

service members, and everyone who carries a memory of his beautiful life. As we honor his military service, we also honor the little boy who dreamed of becoming a soldier, the young man who worked tirelessly to achieve that dream, and the courageous warrior who faced his final battle with strength. Staff Sergeant Hicklin, your earthly mission is complete.

Your duty has ended.

Your service is honored.

Your courage is remembered.

Your legacy is everlasting.

You have stood your watch, served your country, and earned your rest.

Rest easy, Airman.

We have the watch from here.