Page 6 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 been nothing but reliable. “He’s kind of the go to guy if you need to get something veterans related done,” Benedict said. “If he can’t do it, he knows somebody who will do it. But most of the time he is probably already involved.” Vince Long, one of LDN’s 2024 picks for Hometown Heroes, also spoke on Hickey’s reliability. Among other places, Long knows Hickey through serving on the honor guard together. Long described Hickey as a good leader, saying that he is willing to do the things that others forget about. “If something starts to fall by the wayside… he is one of the first to jump in and take care of that for you,” Long said. “There have been times when we couldn’t get anybody else to do something… and if you say something to Gene, he will make sure the job gets done.” Fellow veteran and longtime friend of Hickey, Jim Harnacke, also had a few things to say. Like Benedict and Long, Harnacke spoke on Hickey’s reliability and how much he does for the veteran community. “He has a hand in just about everything veterans related,” Harnacke said. He also spoke on how Hickey has stepped up since the passing of Joe Schaler, the founder of the CIVC and the tiny homes they make. “Whether [members of the community] need something from the Legion, need something from the Marine Corps League, the medical program, veterans’ tiny homes, the CIVC… Gene’s reliability is probably the thing I would have to say the most. He’s reliable and resilient.” Hickey was asked about what drives him to be as involved as he is and help as much as he does. “I just like helping other people,” he said, “especially the veterans… If somebody needs help, I’ll help them.” Hickey was quick to point out that he does not believe he is a hero, however. “I’m not really a hero; I’m just an average person who tries to help.” Unfortunately for Hickey, however, the definition of a hero is not based on the opinion of the hero in question, but the opinions of others. Based on the statements of Benedict, Long, and Harnacke, and the unrecorded statements of all those he has helped, Hickey very much fits the definition of a Hometown Hero of Logan County. Thank you for everything you do, Gene. [Matt Boutcher]
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