Kevin Kilker
Fenton
Summary
Retired U.S. Army senior Field Grade Army Officer and leader with over 20 years of executive-level coordination, supervisory experience, distinguished visitor (DV) support, event planning, resource administration, and multinational protocol-adjacent operations. Extensive background in high-stakes environments requiring diplomacy, discretion, sound judgment under pressure, and flawless execution for senior military leaders, general officers, and international stakeholders. Directed communications, planning, and logistics for command-level visits, ceremonies, and morale programs while ensuring compliance with DoD regulations, security protocols, and etiquette standards. M.A. in International Relations & Transnational Security provides strong foundation in Pacific/multinational dynamics. Proven supervisor of small teams; adept at prioritizing tasks, training subordinates, and delivering under tight deadlines in deployed and garrison settings. Ready for overseas 36-month tour in emergency-essential role.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Teacher
Morrison USD
Morrison, IL, USA
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinated stakeholder events, communications, and logistics with administrators/parents/community; managed schedules and deliverables under regulatory standards.
Senior Military Science Instructor (ROTC)
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL, USA
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Planned/executed ceremonies, leader labs, and evaluations; coordinated with military/university leadership for 100+ cadets.
Protocol, Secretariat Director
First Army
Rock Island Arsenal, IL, USA
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Achieved seamless coordination of high-level visits through effective correspondence management and agency liaison efforts. Maintained protocol-compliant records by meticulously reconciling documents and ensuring accuracy.
- Hand selected to serve in position facilitating protocol and staff integration for a 3 star command. Rapidly digitized all administrative processes enabling seamless functionality and event planning with collaboration while minimizing time requirements for achievement.
Director, IT Plans & Operations
First Army
Rock Island Arsenal, IL, USA
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Directed multi-site operations, policy creation, resource allocation, and reporting; supervised records/compliance functions.
Director of Communications & Planning
Multinational Force & Observers
Sinai, Egypt
06.2020 - 07.2021
- Coordinated multinational visits, events, and logistics; authored SOPs for operations; liaised with U.S./foreign dignitaries/commanders in high-diplomacy setting.
Director of Recruiting
U.S. Army
Omaha, NE, USA
06.2018 - 06.2020
- Managed outreach events, applicant coordination, and stakeholder relations across 11 offices; handled sensitive data with discretion.
- Established partnerships with military organizations to strengthen outreach and recruitment efforts.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing large-scale recruitment events, increasing visibility among potential candidates.
Army IT Leader
U.S. Army
01.2010 - 06.2018
- Directed unit planning, ceremonies, executive communications, and contingency support for large personnel units.
Honor Guardsman
U.S. Air Force
Barksdale AFB, Kunsan, AB, Offutt AFB
03.2004 - 01.2010
- Managed ceremonial/Honor Guard training, schedules, and documentation; ensured compliance with service standards.
- Conducted ceremonial duties with precision and respect during public events.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure flawless execution of honor guard protocols.
- Selected as lead trainer- mentored new members on standards and procedures for ceremonial performances.
- Organized and facilitated a diverse range of over 400 events, including enlistments, retirements, and funeral services, to honor and support individuals and families.
Education
M.A. - International Relations & Transnational Security
American Military University
B.A. - Legal Studies
American Military University
Skills
- Diplomatic etiquette- familiar with PACOM and Foreign services
- Technologically proficient and integrative
- Document preparation
- Safety and security IAW regulation and environment
- Plan, Organize and Direction of event management
- Cross-cultural communication
- Effective communication both written and verbal
- Awareness of mission requirements in conjunction with guest management and facilitation
Qualifications Summary
Coordinated high-level executive support, tasker response, correspondence, and logistics for general officers and senior leaders at First Army (Secretariat Director) and Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) Sinai., Planned/executed ceremonies, leader labs, official functions, and morale events (ROTC/JROTC, Honor Guard, recruiting outreach)., Managed resources, funds tracking (implicit in operational budgets/IT plans), itineraries, and stakeholder coordination in multinational/deployed environments., Handled sensitive inquiries, discrepancies, and high-visibility tasks with discretion, tact, and rapid resolution under pressure., Supervised teams of 3–10+; assigned priorities, trained personnel, evaluated performance, and directed functions., Knowledge of etiquette rules for military/civilian leaders (U.S./foreign) and protocol for DV Code 4+: Directed multinational coordination, SOP development, and support for senior U.S./international commanders/visitors (MFO Sinai); ensured compliance with military traditions, honors, and courtesies in diverse settings., Knowledge of key positions in Unified/Specified Commands (PACOM) and Pacific Region governments: M.A. focused on transnational security/Pacific alliances; liaised with multinational partners in Sinai (analogous to Pacific diplomacy); aware of command structures through Army/PACAF-equivalent operations., Knowledge of management's objectives and prioritized operational requirements: Aligned tasks with senior leadership priorities (First Army GO-level); developed goals/objectives for training/events; integrated Wing/command needs into planning., Knowledge of safety/security regulations, practices, and procedures: Maintained classified/secure records (Secret clearance held); complied with Privacy Act, HIPAA, DoD policies in deployed/garrison; oversaw contingency planning and audit-ready files., Ability to plan, organize, and direct functions/staff of small to medium organization: Supervised protocol-like teams (direct reports in director roles); trained subordinates, set schedules/priorities, and directed DV-equivalent support, ceremonies, and morale activities., Ability to communicate effectively orally/in writing; plan/organize/meet deadlines under duress: Authored 38 SOPs, executive reports, briefings, and correspondence; delivered instructions to diverse/multinational audiences; excelled in fast-paced, high-pressure environments (Sinai deployment, recruiting ops).
Additional Qualifications
- Prior Secret clearance (eligible for reinstatement)
- Overseas deployment experience (Sinai); adaptable to 36-month tour and emergency-essential duties
- Supervisory/leadership training; multiple awards for service/volunteerism
- Physically/mentally prepared for moderate activity, public speaking, and high-tact diplomacy
Target Position
Protocol Officer, GS-0301-11, 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan, Department of the Air Force – Pacific Air Forces, USAJOBS Announcement #857923000
Relevant Professional Experience
- Business Teacher, Morrison USD, Morrison, IL, 2024-08-01, Present, 40
- Senior Military Science Instructor (ROTC), Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 2024-02-01, 2024-04-01, 40
- Secretariat Director, First Army, Rock Island Arsenal, IL, 2022-06-01, 2023-10-01, 40
- Director, IT Plans & Operations, First Army, Rock Island Arsenal, IL, 2021-07-01, 2022-06-01, 40
- Director of Communications & Planning, Multinational Force & Observers, Sinai, Egypt, 2020-06-01, 2021-07-01, 40
- Director of Recruiting, U.S. Army, Omaha, NE, 2018-06-01, 2020-06-01, 40
- Army IT Leader, U.S. Army (Various Locations, including deployed), 2010-01-01, 2018-06-01, 40
- Dental Technician, U.S. Air Force (Various Locations), 2004-03-01, 2010-01-01, 40
Personal Information
- Title: Protocol Officer, GS-0301-11
- Availability: Ready for overseas 36-month tour in emergency-essential role.
Timeline
Business Teacher
Morrison USD
08.2024 - Current
Senior Military Science Instructor (ROTC)
Northern Illinois University
02.2024 - 04.2024
Protocol, Secretariat Director
First Army
05.2022 - 10.2023
Director, IT Plans & Operations
First Army
07.2021 - 04.2022
Director of Communications & Planning
Multinational Force & Observers
06.2020 - 07.2021
Director of Recruiting
U.S. Army
06.2018 - 06.2020
Army IT Leader
U.S. Army
01.2010 - 06.2018
Honor Guardsman
U.S. Air Force
03.2004 - 01.2010
B.A. - Legal Studies
American Military University
M.A. - International Relations & Transnational Security
American Military University