Chris Winckel
Chris Winckel’s journey through two branches of the U.S. military highlights a story of personal growth, discipline, and service to both his country and community. Born and raised in Gurnee, Illinois, Chris found himself at a crossroads in 1995, realizing that his life lacked direction and discipline. Seeking a structured environment, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, spending four years as a truck driver. While he appreciated the discipline the Marine Corps instilled in him, he realized that the Marines weren’t a long-term fit for him. After briefly transitioning to civilian life as a semi-truck driver, Chris quickly found himself disillusioned and in search of new purpose.
Through the suggestion of a friend, Chris discovered the U.S. Coast Guard, a branch of the military he had little knowledge of but found appealing due to its diverse missions, including drug interdiction and search and rescue operations. Chris re-enlisted, spending the next 16 years in the Coast Guard, where his career transitioned from working on cutters to becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), a specialized role focused on maintaining aircraft.
One of the highlights of Chris’s career in the Coast Guard was his involvement in HITRON (Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron), where he played a critical role in counter-drug operations. Flying in helicopters armed with bolt-action .50 caliber rifles, Chris and his team would shoot out the engines of drug boats attempting to flee. Over his career, Chris was responsible for the interdiction of thousands of pounds of uncut cocaine, contributing significantly to the Coast Guard’s mission of stopping the illegal drug trade.
After 20 years of service, Chris retired from the military in 2016, but his commitment to service continued in civilian life. He transitioned to a role at St. Petersburg College, where he became an instructor for Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) high-liability courses, teaching firearms, defensive tactics, driving, and first aid to future law enforcement officers. This role allowed Chris to continue giving back to the community, sharing the skills and discipline he learned in the military with the next generation of public servants.
Chris is also deeply involved in his community through various veteran outreach programs. He sits on the Veterans Association for the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce and participates in initiatives aimed at preventing veteran suicide, a cause close to his heart due to the loss of several friends. Chris also dedicates time to projects like the Veterans Honor Wall at St. Marks, where he helps honor the stories of elderly veterans.
In his spare time, Chris enjoys riding his motorcycle, having recently completed a 1,000-mile ride to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention. Balancing his work, community service, and family life with his wife, Chris continues to embody the principles of discipline and selfless service that the military instilled in him.
Chris’s story serves as an example of how military service can profoundly shape a person, giving them the tools to not only succeed in their career but also to make a lasting impact on their community. His belief in the value of service to the country extends beyond the battlefield, encouraging others to give back through community-focused initiatives.