Justin Hickman ’24

Life in the military was “fast, tough and hard,” but Justin Hickman ’24 looks back fondly on his time in service. After graduating high school, Hickman joined the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1998, where he served for 22 years. He completed tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. 

“The men and women I served with while in the Marine Corps are my brothers and sisters, and the military helped me give my children a better life that I could have never dreamed of while growing up in Orangeburg, South Carolina,” he said.  

For Hickman, the legacy of his time in the Marine Corps lives through a unique symbol of camaraderie—his Booga Sticks. Nicknamed “Caveman” by his fellow Marines, Hickman received a handcrafted Booga Stick from each platoon he served with. The most cherished of these, named Wild Child, was created during a deployment to Syria. Since then, Wild Child has never left his side, serving as a powerful reminder of the brotherhood and bonds forged in service. 

At the age of 40, Hickman decided it was time for a change.  

“I went on a journey to find my next passion in life, that next career that could bring me purpose and joy, where I could give back to my community,” he said.  

After graduating from Coastal Carolina Community College in 2022 with an Associate in Arts degree, Hickman completed his bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy at UNCW. Currently, Hickman is pursuing his master’s degree in healthcare administration at UNCW while working as a recreation therapist at Brynn Marr Hospital in Jacksonville, NC.  

“Recreation therapy is the best medicine for people living in today’s society,” he said. “Helping people understand that recreational and leisure activities are a must to live a full and happy life. Helping them find their way back into the world after a traumatic experience or injury through a new or relearned older hobby will give them the confidence to live life to the fullest.”  

Hickman chose UNCW specifically for its recreation therapy program. With professors like Brent Hawkins and Cara Gray, Hickman felt supported and encouraged during his studies. He plans to continue his education after completing his master’s program.  

Using his military background to help veterans, a demographic with specific physical and emotional needs, is Hickman’s goal.  

“When it comes to helping veterans,” he said, “you need veterans to get through to them.”  

“Recreation therapy is amazing,” he added. “Seeing the joy we bring to patients on a daily basis motivates me every day. As they’re having fun, we help the patient understand that using healthier coping skills in life can make a difference.”