First Sergeant Hicks, a native of Miami, Florida enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1991. After graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, he attended Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School in Twenty-nine Palms, California. He later joined HQ Company 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a radio operator and attained the rank of Corporal.
In September 1994, Corporal Hicks received orders to HQ Battalion, 3d Marine Division, III MEF in Okinawa, Japan where he served as a Multi-channel operator.
Upon completion of his tour in Okinawa, Corporal Hicks received orders to Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a radio supervisor and was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In July 1996, Sergeant Hicks attended Satellite Communications School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. He then joined 9th Communications Battalion at Camp Pendleton California, where he served as a Ground Mobile Force operator and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his promotion he was attached to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to serve as the Command Element Radio Chief.
In January 2002, Staff Sergeant Hicks attended Drill Instructor school at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California and was assigned to Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and a Series Gunnery Sergeant. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
In April 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Hicks was selected to attend the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School Twenty-nine Palms, California, where he was assigned as the Chief Instructor of the Field Radio Operator Course. Following his tenure as Chief Instructor, he was reassigned to serve as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Bravo Company.
In June 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Hicks deployed to Iraq for a period of 365 days to serve as Provost Action SNCO, assigned to Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq where he was later selected and promoted to the rank of First Sergeant.
In August 2008, First Sergeant Hicks received orders to 3d Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California, where he assigned as the Company First Sergeant for India Company and later deployed on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In September 2009, First Sergeant Hicks was reassigned to serve as the Company First Sergeant for Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment and later deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In August 2011, First Sergeant Hicks received orders back to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego where he is currently assigned to 2d Recruit Training Battalion serving as the Acting Battalion Sergeant Major.
First Sergeant Hicks’ personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Drill Instructor Ribbon.