Retired Technical Sergeant (TSgt.) Lester Eckman was born in Orofino, Idaho in 1973, and entered the Air Force in November 1995. He attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, and Technical School at Goodfellow Air Force Base, as an Electronic System Security Assessment Analyst. Throughout his career he was stationed in Alaska, Texas, Hawaii, North Carolina, and Germany. His military and civilian education includes: 1N6 ESSA Analyst training, ESSA Mission Supervisor training, GIAC Security Essentials Certification, Strategic Planners Course, Air Operations Center School, 1N0 All-Source Intelligence Analyst training, Combat Life Savers Course, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Liaison Officer training, First Responder certification, Fire Fighter training, an Associate’s Degree in Communications Applications Technology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Administration. He has received many awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Force Commendation Medals, the Combat Readiness Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, to name a few. TSgt. Eckman retired from the Air Force in the summer of 2017, after 22 years of service. He now works for the Defense Intelligence Agency in Reston, VA, as an anti-terrorist analyst.
TSgt. Eckman was nominated by his wife, Stephanie Eckman.
“After 22 years, it’s hard to find words to describe how much Les has done to not only serve our country, but the community,” said Stephanie. “On top of his military service, Les has also volunteered everywhere he’s gone. He’s worked with forestry and game wardens in Idaho, and as a volunteer firefighter for Easton FD (Easton, MD), Cypress Pointe FD (Vass, NC) and he has already started the process to volunteer with the Sterling FD (Sterling, VA). It takes an incredible person to continue serving and helping others. He truly deserves to be recognized for all his accomplishments and endless dedication.”
TSgt. Eckman chose the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive the donation made by NFM Salute on his behalf.
