A tribute to to Marine Sargent Major (retired) Tom Hicks was produced in early 2021 by Farmville, Virginia Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7059, Farmville American Legion Post 32, the Piedmont Area Veterans Council, and friends.
The focus of this tribute is Tom’s tireless volunteer contributions to the local community. Accounts by seven veterans tell how he collected clothes for homeless veterans, helped with the Thrift Store at the Piedmont Area Veterans Council (PAVC), welcomed veterans to the community at the PAVC office, tended flags at local cemetaries, organized and directed programs recognizing veterans at Prince Edward County Public Schools.
He was a lifetime member of the local VFW and American Legion posts and served as an officer in each. 
To stay abreast of local events, Tom met regularly with a small cadre of veterans, retired civic leaders, and friends over hearty breakfasts at Merk’s Place. He remains an inspiration to all veterans who believe in giving back to the community.
In his long career, Tom Hicks was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Meritorious Service Citation, Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Citation (Civic Action Citation), Letter of Recognition, Letter of Appreciation (2nd Award) and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He joined the USMC from Camp Lejeune, NC.