Johnson County 4-H Honors Alumni Service Members

Program spotlights active duty military who were once 4-H members

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A soft, impressionistic photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a rural landscape with rolling hills, a red barn, and a faint American flag waving in the distance, conveying a sense of nostalgia, community, and patriotism.

Johnson County 4-H's tribute to its alumni who have gone on to serve in the U.S. military reflects the program's lasting impact on young people's lives and their continued connection to their rural community.Franklin Today

Johnson County 4-H in Indiana is recognizing service members this spring by featuring 4-H alumni who are currently serving in the U.S. military. The program will spotlight these former 4-H members on the organization's Facebook page throughout April.

Why it matters

The 4-H program aims to develop leadership, citizenship and life skills in young people. By honoring alumni who have gone on to serve in the military, Johnson County 4-H is highlighting the long-term impact of its youth development initiatives and the continued community engagement of its former members.

The details

The first 4-H alumna featured is Kaitlyn Hicks, who was a 10-year member of the program and participated in projects like sheep, beef cattle and crops. Hicks is currently an E-5 senior loadmaster with the 437th Airlift Wing based in Charleston, South Carolina, and was recently deployed to the Middle East in September 2025. Johnson County 4-H plans to continue featuring a new service member each week on its Facebook page through the end of April.

The program began in early April 2026.
Kaitlyn Hicks was recently deployed to the Middle East in September 2025.

The players

Kaitlyn Hicks

A 10-year 4-H member who was the 2019 Master Showman and in the 2020 4-H Honor Group. She now serves in the U.S. Air Force as an E-5 senior loadmaster with the 437th Airlift Wing based in Charleston, South Carolina.