USARA member and friend CSM (Retired) Joe Heckard, 66, died on Sunday, December 21, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. CSM Heckard enlisted in the Army on June 30, 1967 at Fort Benning, Georgia where he completed Basic Training, AIT, and Airborne School. His 30 years of military service started with an assignment in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
CSM Heckard served in every leadership position from Squad Leader to Command Sergeant Major. Units of assignment include the Airborne Department; Ranger Department; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Ranger Battalions; 10th Mountain Division; 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 325th Brigade Combat Team, Italy; 2nd Infantry Division; Ranger Training Brigade; and the 11th Infantry Regiment. CSM Heckard concluded his distinguished 30 year career as the CSM of the 11th Infantry Regiment.
As the Ranger Training Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Heckard empowered the Noncommissioned Officers with responsibility for training decisions, instituted a Quality Assurance team to ensure Training Standards were the same across the Brigade, and improved the quality of life for students and cadre by incorporating new gym equipment, swimming pools, and an upgrade to the dining facilities.
Heckard was a combat seasoned Soldier that contributed greatly to the success of the original 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974, and whose dedicated service in all three modern day Ranger Battalions and the Ranger Training Brigade contributed greatly to the success of the Ranger community.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and Drill Sergeant Badge.
CSM Heckard was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2012.
The funeral for CSM Heckard will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Infantry Center Chapel on Fort Benning. Ranger Heckard will be buried at the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery with full military honors. Contact Sconiers Funeral Home for more information.
