Spring Lake Dentist David Dickerhoff honored as Town’s 2025 Veteran of the Year
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A Spring Lake dentist’s unwavering commitment to veterans and his community has earned him the town’s highest honor. Dr.David Dickerhoff was recently named Spring Lake’s 2025 Veteran of the Year, recognized for his decades of service to military personnel, retirees, and the wider Spring Lake community.
A vision for Spring Lake
Dickerhoff, 69, a veteran himself having served as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper and medic during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, has long sought to elevate Spring Lake’s identity beyond that of a “bedroom community” for Fort bragg. He believes in showcasing the town’s unique character and honoring the sacrifices of those who serve. This vision is visibly manifested in the public art now gracing the town, including state artist Max Dowdle’s murals – “Home of the Airborne” on the Beatitude House and “Special Forces” near the State Veterans Cemetery.”I want to improve the reputation of our little town of Spring Lake,so that we are seen as more then a bedroom community to Fort Bragg,” Dickerhoff stated.
From Battlefield Medic to dedicated Dentist
Dickerhoff’s dedication to service didn’t end with his military career. After leaving the Army in 1996, he established Spring Lake Dental Group, focusing on providing thorough dental care to soldiers, retirees, and thier families. “Dr. Dickerhoff’s service to the military and veteran community over the years had an impact in Spring Lake,” Lackman explained. “Dr.Dickerhoff has committed to making Spring Lake better, whether it has been providing dental care, serving a town committee, improving the overall appearance or bringing some lovely art to our town.”
The award ceremony was attended by a distinguished group including Mayor Kia Anthony, U.S. Marines Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter Gaskin,Cumberland Board of County Commissioners’ chair kirk deViere,and numerous veterans.Dickerhoff expressed humility,acknowledging the many deserving individuals within the community. “I’m sure there are others who are more worthy, but my particular bent is I am in Spring Lake, North Carolina, becuase of Fort bragg. This is what I was meant to do. I wanted to take care of soldiers and retirees. The fact that somebody acknowledges that carries validation we’re doing something positive.”
Past recipients of the Spring Lake Veteran of the year award include Air Force Tech Sgt. (Ret.) Jennifer Alexander (2024), Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt.(Ret.) George Reed (2023), and the late Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Charles “Charlie” Miller (2022).
A Legacy of Service
Mayor Kia Anthony emphasized Dickerhoff’s embodiment of service, both in and out of uniform. “Dr. David Dickerhoff embodies what service looks like after the uniform,” she stated. “As a former Army officer and the founder of Spring Lake Dental Group, he has spent nearly three decades caring for Spring lake residents, Fort Bragg soldiers, retirees and their families with skill and heart.” Cumberland Board of County Commissioners’ Chair Kirk deViere echoed this sentiment, stating, “Dave dickerhoff exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve – both in uniform and in our community.”
Dickerhoff, a native of Cumberland, Maryland, humbly shared the honor with his dedicated team at spring Lake Dental Group, many of whom are veterans or family members of service members. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my talented associates and staff,” he said, also expressing gratitude to his office manager, Becky Spell, and his wife of 27 years, Janice. “I am truly blessed.”
Looking ahead, Dickerhoff remains committed to his mission. “I’m on the back nine of my life, but I am honored to have been leading these dedicated professionals of spring Lake Dental Group,” he concluded. “They believe in my ideology of taking care of soldiers, family members and retirees. I accepted the award as Dave Dickerhoff, but I was there representing all of them. I’m fortunate to understand military families and the sacrifices they make for our great country.”
