Kevin Vick

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi College with a BA in modern languages, Kevin Vick, 30, enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2003. He trained as an Arabic language airborne cryptologic linguist at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA where he graduated top of his class, earning him both a Commandant’s Award and an Army Achievement Medal. Vick was then stationed at Offutt AFB where he maintained top proficiency in Arabic, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Additionally, he worked as the primary Cryptologic Responsible Officer, accountable for the communications security of one of the largest intelligence squadrons in the USAF.  While at Offut AFB, Vick was also assigned to work as the command language program manager, supporting training and language proficiency for squadron personnel. He deployed in support of various operations and missions including Operation Enduring Freedom. Vick was aware of his orientation before joining the armed forces, but his desire to serve his country outweighed his frustration with the military’s discriminatory policies. During his service, however, Vick became increasingly appalled at the hypocrisy of DADT as he saw coworkers, exemplary of moral character and integrity, discharged simply on the basis of their sexuality. As he felt this systemic discrimination undermined the very foundation of unit cohesion and the principles the military upholds, in 2009 Staff Sergeant Vick chose to not re-enlist. Vick now lives in Houston, TX, where he plans to pursue a second degree in biochemistry and attend medical school.