The Indiana State Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles held its annual convention in Indianapolis.
Selected to lead the Aerie for the next year is Don Niccum of Lafayette. Niccum joined the Eagles in 1998, while serving in the United States Marines and has remained committed to the organization’s mission of “People Helping People.”
He has served many leadership positions within his home Aerie, Lafayette 347, currently serving as secretary. Now, as Indiana president, he is focused on strengthening Aeries and Auxiliaries across the state and promoting the values liberty, truth, justice and equality.
Outside of his volunteer work, Niccum has worked as a special needs bus driver for 13 years, which has allowed the flexibility to travel across the country to conventions and conferences to gain knowledge and ideas that benefit Eagle members throughout Indiana.
Family remains at the center of Niccum’s life. He enjoys spending time with his three children, Sami Sigman, Gabe Sigman and Jackson Niccum, along with his wife Jennifer, a Past Madam State President and a U.S. Army veteran, and his grandchildren,
Selected to lead the Eagles Auxiliary for the next year is Denise Hampton of Crawfordsville. Hampton has been an active member of Crawfordsville Auxiliary 1005, currently serving as secretary. Her selection carries special meaning. Stella Havercamp, her husband Mike Hampton’s grandmother, served as Madam State President in 1970.
Hampton has two daughters, Lynette Clark and Lisa Cooper, and two grandchildren. She is employed by Heritage Products in Crawfordsville.
Together, Niccum and Hampton have selected the Mary T. Klinker Veterans Center Operation Restoring Hope in Boswell. It’s mission is to serve veterans with dignity, respect, compassion and unwavering care.
Capt. Mary T. Klinker, born in Lafayette, was a flight nurse in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. She was killed in a C-5A Galaxy crash during Operation Babylift, becoming the last nurse, and only Air Force nurse, to perish in Vietnam. Her legacy continues through the tireless commitment of the Mary T. Klinker Veterans Center.
The non-profit center assists veterans with disability claims, transportation to medical appointments, housing repairs, food assistance, fuel assistance, and other emergency needs. They also provide stability and hope to veterans and their families during times.
