After more than 17 years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps—including a deployment to Iraq from January to December 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom—John Pick retired as a Gunnery Sergeant (following medical retirement). He continues to embody the values of duty, honor, and commitment in his civilian life.

John currently works as a Financial Technician for the Defense Health Agency (at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point), where he ensures resources are allocated effectively to support military and veteran healthcare. Deeply committed to the veteran community in New Bern, North Carolina, he holds several key leadership roles:

• Chaplain for VFW Post 2514.
• Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America at Cedar Grove Cemetery, helping ensure every veteran’s resting place is remembered and honored with wreaths each December (often coordinating alongside his wife, Amanda).
• Commander of American Legion Post 539.
• Vice President & Operations Officer for Eastern North Carolina Honor Flight, dedicated to transporting WWII, Korea, and Vietnam-era veterans to Washington, D.C., for the recognition they deserve.

Above all, John is a devoted husband to his wife, Amanda, and proud father of three wonderful children. Whether placing wreaths, leading meetings, or simply listening to a fellow veteran's story, his mission remains steadfast: to serve, support, and never forget.