Todd Hicks, 38, of Amboy, is a mechanic at Ken Nelson Auto Group in Dixon. He and his wife, Amy, 38, have five children: Alex, 14; Garrett, 11; Jacob, 8; Elizabeth, 6; and Benjamin, 2. They also have a parakeet named Sherbet.

Alma mater: Amboy High School, class of 1992.

What do you like to do? I like to re-enact historical events and work on cars. I also shoot, hunt and fish.

On-the-job lesson: How to get along with others.

Motto: Treat others how you'd want to be treated.

Oughtta be a law: I just want to keep the freedoms that are vanishing like the Second Amendment and freedom of speech. Illinois has gun laws like crazy compared to other states. You can't even buy BBs without a FOID card.

Favorite movie: "The Count of Monte Cristo"

Hero: My father, Rex Hicks of Amboy. He's a Vietnam veteran and he's been married to the same woman more than 40 years. He's tough on the outside and soft on the inside. He's always been there and always put his family first.

First job: Detasseling at age 14. It was hot. I also worked for a landscaper at age 15.

First car: 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. It was dark blue with primer on the bottom. I was 15. I bought it for $800.

Favorite food: Chimichangas, cheeseburgers and pizza.

Favorite music: Gospel, classical and soundtracks.

Favorite team: Pittsburgh Steelers.

Favorite charity: Make-a-Wish Foundation. I have a niece, Whitney Fritz, 14, of Rockford, who was born with a lot of birth defects. They did some neat stuff. They gave her a trip to Hawaii about 6 or 7 years ago.

Haunts: Home, mostly. I have four acres. I ride a 4-wheeler. There's always something to do at home. Also, First Baptist Church in Amboy.

Guilty pleasure: I like stupid, funny movies, like "Dumb and Dumber."

Read this: "Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills" by Charles Henderson. It gives you an idea of what war is like. TV glamorizes war. When you talk to the men who experienced it, it's not that glamorous. A lot of them saw friends die. They had a job to do and they got it done. A lot of them sacrificed a lot and never had a chance for a family and didn't come back right mentally. I'm glad there are people who risk their lives to protect our freedoms that we take advantage of.

Phobia: I don't like tight spaces. I wouldn't like going in caves.

What makes your blood boil? Stupidity. But I consider myself easy-going. I don't get riled easily. You can't with five kids. Kids teach you patience.

Best thing about Amboy: Everybody knows you. I wouldn't want to live in the city. There's no traffic in Amboy. It's laid back and slower.

Trading spaces: I always wanted to go to Australia to look at the wildlife. They have interesting animals you don't see around here.

Shout out to: My family. They made me who I am today. They're the reason I do what I do.