Air Force selects second ever enlisted legislative fellow

by Senior Airman Allen Pollard
9th RW Public Affairs

4/5/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- The United States Air Force has announced Senior Master Sgt. Lavor Kirkpatrick, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron imagery analyst instructor, as its 2nd ever enlisted legislative fellow. There were 21 nominations for this year's Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison fellowship.

Col. Phil Stewart, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, along with Chief Master Sgt. Robert White, 9th RW command chief, gave the highest recommendations and regards to Kirkpatrick endorsing him for the position.

"Senior Master Sgt. Kirkpatrick is an incredibly talented senior non-commissioned officer," said Stewart. "He is an exemplary leader and will be a superb Air Force Enlisted Legislative Fellow."

For the first six months Kirkpatrick will go through his developmental rotational tour as well as taking Georgetown University classes to prepare him for his one year assignment on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities of fellows include drafting legislation, floor debate preparation, planning and analysis of public policy, serving as a congressional liaison, and providing legislative support to the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force.

"Senior Master Sgt Kirkpatrick is on fire," Stewart said. "He and his Airmen play a critical role in delivering globally integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of national objectives and have done so without fail."

The selection came as a surprise to Kirkpatrick who said he became disheartened as the selection date past. One week later his squadron's secretary informed him that he missed a call from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody.

Kirkpatrick said he was confused and convinced this was a hoax. When he called the number back Cody personally notified and congratulated him for his selection.

"I was excited and quickly called my wife to inform her we're moving to D.C. this summer," Kirkpatrick said. "My family was elated and knowing I have their love and support made it easy for me to take this position."

In his 14-year career Kirkpatrick was selected for promotion to each enlisted grade the first time except for Tech. Sgt. which he attained on his second attempt.

Kirkpatrick also earned the Commandants Award at the NCO Academy, John L. Levitow recipient at the SNCO Academy, and was a distinguished graduate for both.

"I am extremely honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the Air Force's second legislative enlisted fellow," Kirkpatrick said. "I will represent the Air Force, the enlisted core, and the Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance community in a positive way."