Kirkwood named Reserve Chaplain Assistant of the Year

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office
Barksdale AFB, La. --  Master Sgt. Jackie Kirkwood, noncommissioned officer in charge, Chapel Services, 307th Bomb Wing, has been named Air Force Reserve Command's Category A/B Reserve Chaplain Assistant of the Year.

Other winners of Air Force Chaplain Corps Annual Awards announced by Air Force Global Strike Command were Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Medium Chapel of the Year, Staff Sgt. Katelyn Blomberg, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Active Duty Chaplain Assistant Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Chaplain, Lt. Col. Michael Butler, 131th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year.

"This award recognizes the work at the wing and command level of chaplain assistants," said Chaplain, Lt. Col. Kenneth Brown, 307 BW. "It highlights the leadership, excellence and hard work of chaplain assistants that impact the mission of the Air Force."

Over the past year, Kirkwood has taken on many new responsibilities at the 307 BW as the NCOIC of Chapel Services. He was pivotal in preparing the Chaplain's office for the recent Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI). He supported the 2nd Bomb Wing worship services during Unit Training Assembly (UTA) weekends, and also assisted in 307 BW worship services, according to Brown.

In the summer of 2012, Kirkwood was selected as the superintendent for the Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Tour, a program where he served as a flight mentor on the three previous year tours. He also provided administrative support for AFRC Chaplain for the last two summers in preparation and support of the Chaplain Candidate Program.

"I was really caught by surprise when I received the news that I had been selected for this award," said Kirkwood. "I appreciate very much my Wing Chaplain for nominating me."

"Knowing the caliber of talent, skills and character of the chaplain assistants in this career field makes it a great honor to receive this type of recognition," he said. "I share this award with the many great people that I have served with over the years. God has blessed me tremendously."

"Military life is in my blood and serving others in ministry just makes it that much more rewarding to serve as a chaplain assistant," Kirkwood said. "My success has been attributed to the many chaplains and chaplain assistants that I have had the privilege to work alongside."

Kirkwood came to AFRC from the U.S. Navy Reserve, and brought his skills as a Yeoman with him.

"This is a testament to the outstanding contributions Master Sgt. Kirkwood has made to the Air Force Chaplain Corps, to the mission of the 307 BW, and the Reserve Command," said Brown. "He is of great value to me as Wing Chaplain. I count it a blessing and privilege to have such an outstanding Airman on our team."

According to Chaplain Brown, Kirkwood was selected from more than 200 chaplain assistants in the AFRC. A formal presentation of the award is scheduled for June during the 307th Bomb Wing's Commander's Call.