(VERO BEACH, FL) The Veterans Council of Indian River County in partnership with the Zickert family has announced the creation of the Colonel Martin J. Zickert Memorial Fund to benefit direct aid programs for veterans in Indian River County.
Colonel Martin “Marty“ Zickert, U.S.A.F. (Ret.) was born in Greenwood, Wisconsin in 1941, where he lived until enlisting in the U.S.A.F. on January 2, 1962. Marty served in the U.S.A.F. from 1962 – 1992. For over 30 years Col. Zickert worked in Strategic Air Command (SAC) and flew as a navigator aboard KC-135 tankers, RC135s, C124s and flew F4 fighters during the Vietnam War. After the Vietnam War Col. Zickert continued to work for SAC with the U.S. Military’s strategic nuclear strike forces in the Philippines, Germany and United States.
Marty was a true leader, patriot, mentor, and friend to all who knew him. When Marty was introduced to the Veterans Council of Indian River County, he jumped right in to become involved. He quickly assumed a leadership role by joining the organizations Board of Directors in 2010. He remained on the board of directors in various positions including serving in the position of Board Chairman in 2012, 2013, 2014 and again in 2020 and 2021. Through Marty’s leadership the organzation has seen enormous growth through gathering members of various community veterans groups to offering direct aid and transportation to local veterans in need. Marty passed away unexpectedly on July 2, 2023. Marty gave his all to our community and will forever be remembered for his great fun loving spirit and dedication to helping others.
“This is a great loss for the Veterans Council and our entire community“ said Cynthia Ryan, the Executive Director of the Veterans Council of Indian River County. “I have personally known Marty for many years. It was Marty who recruited me to work with the Veteran Council breaking barriers as the first female and the first civilian Executive Director. Marty believed in me and I will miss him dearly. Marty gave so much during his life and it is our honor to announce the Col. Martin J. Zickert Memorial Fund where funds donated in Marty’s honor will continue to bless our veteran community“
To make a donation to the Col. Martin J. Zickert Memorial Fund to benefit direct aid programs at the Veterans Council of Indian River County visit us online at www.helpircvets.org or mail a check to the Veterans Council at PO Box 1354, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
The Zickert family will hold a Memorial Service for Martin Zickert on July 29, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Vero Beach. Following the service attendees are welcome to attend an afternoon event celebrating Marty’s life at Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. The Zickert family asks that attendees wear colorful attire to celebrate Marty’s life.
The Veterans Council of Indian River County is the lead agency for providing programs and direct aid to veterans and their families in Indian River County and is a United Way of Indian River partner agency. The mission of Veterans Council of Indian River County is to support all Indian River County veterans and their families while raising awareness of veteran’s needs and their contributions to society.
For more information about the Veterans Council of Indian River County, visit http://helpIRCvets.org or call (772) 410-5820.