A Vietnam Veteran, Pickel spent 10 years in Air Force Security Force K-9's with the Jolly Greens. Later he retired from the Tallahassee Police Department after 26 years as the head of the K-9 Unit.  He is a well known dog handler and trainer and has a book published. He is a professional pilot, holding ATP, CF11, MEII and Land & Sea licenses. His flight service was with the Republican National Committee, U.S. Forestry and was a chief flight instructor for Flightline in Tallahassee. He was elected Post Commander in 2016-2017 and brings a wealth of diverse knowledge with his command. He was honored to be appointed National Aide de Camp to Commander in Chief, Doc Schmidt.  He is well known for his good humor, his above-board values and is fiercly loyal to fellow veterans and members.