Wilkinson named next vice commander of 123rd Airlift Wing

  • Published
  • By Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
FRANKFORT, Ky. --  Lt. Col. Jeffrey L. Wilkinson has been selected to serve as the next vice commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, effective Oct.19, Kentucky's adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, announced today.

"In this role, Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson will provide wing leadership critical insight into the day-to-day operations of the 123rd Airlift Wing and act as the focal point for all wing inspections and compliance with higher headquarters directives along multiple functional areas," Tonini said.

Wilkinson currently is detailed to the vice wing commander position. From June 2008 through June 2013, he served as commander of the Kentucky Air National Guard's 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, leading his unit through numerous combat deployments in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

A Bronze Star-decorated combat veteran, Wilkinson is a combat control officer and combat rescue officer who has served as a combat control team leader, pararescue flight commander and director of operations for the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron.

He has participated in Operations Uphold Democracy, Joint Endeavor, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom; Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed national exercises; and civil natural disaster-response operations and state exercises.

The 23-year veteran of active duty and National Guard service is an Air War College graduate by correspondence. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Gallant Unit Citation.

"Please take the time to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Wilkinson for his selection to this very prestigious position," Tonini said.