By Senior Airman Vicky Spesard, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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Master Sgt. Kevin Roy has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard's Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013. Roy is a member of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Master Sgt. Kevin Roy
of the 123rd Security Forces Squadron has been named the Kentucky Air National Guard’s Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for 2013.
As first sergeant, Roy provides oversight and guidance to more than 85 Security Forces Airmen, assisting with any pay, personal and family issues that may arise. He has revamped the squadron’s Dependent-Care Program and operates a Family Liaison Program that facilitates regular interaction with the family members of deployed troops.
A full-time Louisville Metro Police officer, Roy joined the Guard in 1999 and has served as the squadron’s “first shirt” since March 2011. It’s a position he is well qualified for, according to Chief Master Sgt. Dan Radke, chief enlisted manager for the 123rd Security Forces Squadron.
“Part of his responsibilities include ensuring Airmen in the security forces are well trained and have all of the unit’s resources available to them,” Radke said. “Roy does more than that. He has an open door for these guys. He is a confidant, a mentor and professional colleague. He really strives to know each member of the squadron. They know that whatever issue they might be experiencing, their first sergeant is there to help.”
Roy also places a high level of emphasis on making sure his Airmen are properly trained.
“It is very important for them to stay current in their military education to be promotable to the higher enlisted levels,” said Roy, a certified Taser instructor and civilian Active Shooter Response Team member who is certified to conduct field sobriety tests and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.
“I am also stressing to my Airmen the value of a good education, both within the military and law enforcement.”
Being a mentor and community leader outside the Air Guard is another priority for Roy, who encourages civic involvement among his Airmen. He is a volunteer with the Explorers Program and an instructor at Merit Badge University, which assists Boy Scouts in earning merit badges.
“I have to lead by example,” he said. “My father told me to surround myself with good people, and I encourage my Airmen to do the same thing. Get involved in the community; surround yourself with people who become a positive influence on you. That is my goal every day: to be a positive influence and good example to my guys.”