Born and raised in La Porte, Indiana, Donald A. Heichel II has never strayed far from his roots — even while his career has taken him across the world. Though he now works in Indianapolis as a Labor Relations Specialist for the Department of Defense, he still calls La Porte home. His story is one of unwavering dedication to both his community and his country.
After graduating from high school, Heichel chose a path of service, enlisting in the U.S. Army. Before his official entry into basic training, a short delay gave him time to work as an automotive service technician. His work ethic earned him multiple job offers, but his heart was set on serving his nation.
That call to duty led him to Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he began basic training in the fall of 1989. From there, Heichel’s military career took him to places near and far — from Central America to Europe, and eventually back to the Midwest, where his service continued in new ways.
“I went to Panama for a short period of time after basic training. I was with the MPs — the military police,” Heichel recalled. “I also spent some time in Germany after that. Then I came home to be a deputy sheriff and joined the Wisconsin Guard. 9/11 hit, though, and so I went back into the military. I retired as a lieutenant colonel.”
Throughout his career, Heichel became known for his strong leadership and determination to make a difference. His passion for improving systems and policies led him to Officer Candidate School in 1995, where he sharpened his ability to lead with purpose and integrity.
“I thought I could make big changes, and I think I did,” he said. “Whatever you do in your next position or your next job, leave it better than you first found it — no matter what condition it was in.”
With over 30 years of military experience, Heichel embraced every challenge as an opportunity. His deployment to Afghanistan tested everything he had learned, but also reaffirmed his courage and calling.
“My time in Afghanistan was very valuable to me,” he said. “That environment was scary, but I got to do all the things I had been trained to do. Using those skills — mine and my soldiers’ — made it all worth it.”
Service also brought Heichel lifelong friendships and a deep sense of camaraderie. Watching his fellow soldiers grow and retire has given him immense pride and perspective.
“There were a lot of happy times in the army, but there were challenges too,” he reflected. “Now, seeing others reach the end of their careers is amazing — because I’ve seen how we’ve all achieved success.”
Heichel’s own honors include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Order of Saint Maurice, the highest award bestowed in the Infantry. Yet, he remains humble, always taking time to thank other veterans — whether at the gas station, a school event, or anywhere in between.
When he’s not serving the Department of Defense, Heichel enjoys time with his wife and three children. He stays active in his community by officiating high school sports, golfing with friends, and visiting his parents, who still live nearby and taught him the value of hard work.
Living in a small community allows Heichel to make a big impact — one meaningful step at a time.
“I want to do my part in the community — to be like a lamppost, turning a light on,” he said. “Helping out can lead to changing the world for the better, just like I tried to do while I was in the military.”