Wallace E. Kirkpatrick
Encyclopedia
Wallace E. Kirkpatrick (3 December 1936) is a former U.S. Army civil-service executive, founder and CEO of a high-technology firm (DESE Research), and a philanthropist. For a half century, Kirkpatrick has worked in the missile defense
field, being well known as an expert in the systems and technologies.
. After high school, he joined the United States Army
and served with distinction from 1953 to 1958, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class
– possibly the youngest on active duty at that time. In the period 1958-1962, he was a civil service
employee of the U.S. Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency (ARGMA) at Redstone Arsenal
, Huntsville, Alabama
. There he rose quickly in administrative jobs, primarily in the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA, later DARPA) Division.
(AMC) was formed, absorbing ARGMA and several other organizations. Kirkpatrick was named Chief of the Program Management Office in the ARPA Division of AMC. Between August 1967 and August 1968, he was with ARPA in Washington, D.C.
, serving as the Program Management Officer for the Nuclear Test Detection Program.
, United Kingdom
, Canada
, and Australia
. From August 1968 through August 1969, Kirkpatrick was Assistant Director of the U.S. Army Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Agency (ABMDA)-Washington, serving as Chief of the Program Management Division, responsible for program funding exceeding $100 million. He then became a Program Analyst with ABMDA-Huntsville, located in the Research Park (later Cummings Research Park
). In this position, he supervised the cost and schedule portion of the Hardsite Defense Missile System (later the National Missile Defense).
In July 1971, the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Advanced Technology Center (BMDATC) was formed as an independent agency, taking over ABMDA-Huntsville. Kirkpatrick was named Chief of Program Management and remained in this position until January 1976. There he participated in developing rationale for, and priorities of, highly innovative missile defense technologies.
Kirkpatrick was on educational leave at Syracuse University
from January 1976 through May 1977. As part of his work there, he participated in television experiments between the university and the Canadian Public Service Commission.
Returning to BMDATC, between June 1977 and September 1979, Kirkpatrick served as Deputy Director of Management and Administration. He performed liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Defense
, the Office of Management and Budget, and certain Congressional Committees. He also formulated and directed studies in strategic systems doctrine; in this, he convened eleven symposia involving leading strategic thinkers in the free world to assess the role of active missile defense in the context of the emerging strategic environment
For a year starting in September 1979, Kirkpatrick was a Congressional Science Fellow, selected competitively by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
. As a member of the professional staff of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, he had principal staff responsibility for materials policy legislation and laser research hearings, and assistant responsibility on the NASA budget authorization. He also served as an advisor on national defense issues to the Committee.
Returning to Redstone Arsenal in 1980, Kirkpatrick established and served as Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Ballistic Missile Defense Program Manager. There he formulated broad policies and long-range ballistic-missile defense goals and policies. Kirkpatrick also conducted strategic policy and arms control studies, and initiated a series of studies by prominent strategic thinkers and arms control experts. He was instrumental in the development of non-nuclear, hit-to-kill technology, upon which current missile defense systems are based.
, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. He presently serves as the CEO of this knowledge-based small-business enterprise that conducts theoretical and analytical research in the areas of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment (DESE).
After forming DESE, Kirkpatrick continued a strong personal involvement in national security, conducting research in missile defense, space control, and intelligence. Cognizant of the rapidly changing global security environment, the proliferation of technology, and the evolving threats to the United States and its Allies, he prepared a paper that received the Gnosis
Award from the United States House of Representatives
in 1983, the awarded being presented in person by Edward Teller
.
Under Kirkpatrick’s leadership, DESE Research has been recognized for its contributions to the Huntsville high-technology community. Kirkpatrick and DESE are noted for their high ethical standards.
When DESE Research was formed, the firm became a member of the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce (H/MCCoC), with Wally Kirkpatrick as the representative. He soon became very active in affairs of the H/MCoC, and has remained so through the years: Member of Board of Directors, 1990–Present; Board Chairman, 1995; Member of Executive Committee, 1992–1995; Chairman of Partnership for Economic Development, 1994; Small Business Executive of the Year, 1992; Chairman of Space Station Task Force, 1991; and Chairman of National Government Committee, 1988-1992.
is the active effort to promote human welfare. Wally Kirkpatrick’s philanthropic contributions range from activities such as promoting Boy Scouts of America
and the United Way of America to the development of Huntsville’s marina and port and the University of Alabama in Huntsville
. For the Boy Scouts, he led in consolidating activities in 22 counties, forming the Greater Alabama Counci
l. He chaired a capital campaign, raising funds to renovate the local Boy Scout facility, now named the Wallace E. Kirkpatrick Scout Shop. In recent years, he raised over $1 million for the Boy Scouts.
Since 2001, Kirkpatrick has been a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of America (recognizing major personal contributions); in 2011, he pledged $50 thousand. For the United Way of Madison County, Kirkpatrick led a capital campaign that raised the funds to purchase the present United Way facility. Since 2005, he has served as Board President responsible for Ditto Landing, Huntsville-Madison County’s marina and port on the Tennessee River
, and raised over $1 million for operations and improvements. He participates in many development activities at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and funded a $50 thousand academic scholarship.
In 2007, the Wallace E. (Wally) Kirkpatrick Family Foundation was established to receive and maintain a fund, the income from which is to be used exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, research, or educational purposes. The duration of this foundation is perpetual, and a substantial portion of his estate will go to the foundation upon his death.
(M.P.A.) degree, as well as course work for the doctoral degree by May 1977.
Kirkpatrick was awarded the honorary Doctor of Management
degree from Southeastern Institute of Technology
in 1992, and the honorary Doctor of Science
degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville
in 1996.
Missile defense
Missile defense is a system, weapon, or technology involved in the detection, tracking, interception and destruction of attacking missiles. Originally conceived as a defence against nuclear-armed Intercontinental ballistic missiles , its application has broadened to include shorter-ranged...
field, being well known as an expert in the systems and technologies.
Early background
Wally Kirkpatrick was born and raised in rural Winston County, AlabamaWinston County, Alabama
Winston County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, formerly known as Hancock County before 1858.Its name is in honor of John A. Winston, the 15th Governor of Alabama. As of 2010, the population was 24,484. Its county seat is Double Springs....
. After high school, he joined the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and served with distinction from 1953 to 1958, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class
Sergeant First Class is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is the first senior non-commissioned officer rank...
– possibly the youngest on active duty at that time. In the period 1958-1962, he was a civil service
United States civil service
In the United States, the civil service was established in 1872. The Federal Civil Service is defined as "all appointive positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the Government of the United States, except positions in the uniformed services." . In the early 19th century,...
employee of the U.S. Army Rocket and Guided Missile Agency (ARGMA) at Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army base and a census-designated place adjacent to Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama, United States and is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area...
, Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city located primarily in Madison County in the central part of the far northern region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County. The city extends west into neighboring Limestone County. Huntsville's population was 180,105 as of the 2010 Census....
. There he rose quickly in administrative jobs, primarily in the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA, later DARPA) Division.
Professional career
In June 1962, the U.S. Army Missile CommandUnited States Army Aviation and Missile Command
The United States Army Aviation and Missile Command is primarily responsible for life cycle management of army missile, helicopter, unmanned ground vehicle and unmanned aerial vehicle weapon systems. The central part of AMCOM's job involves acquisition and sustainment support for aviation and...
(AMC) was formed, absorbing ARGMA and several other organizations. Kirkpatrick was named Chief of the Program Management Office in the ARPA Division of AMC. Between August 1967 and August 1968, he was with ARPA in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, serving as the Program Management Officer for the Nuclear Test Detection Program.
Civil-service executive
While with the ARPA Division of AMC, Kirkpatrick served as the Executive Secretary of the Anti-Missile Research Advisory Council, coordinating semi-annual meetings with up to 600 attendees from the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. From August 1968 through August 1969, Kirkpatrick was Assistant Director of the U.S. Army Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Agency (ABMDA)-Washington, serving as Chief of the Program Management Division, responsible for program funding exceeding $100 million. He then became a Program Analyst with ABMDA-Huntsville, located in the Research Park (later Cummings Research Park
Cummings Research Park
Cummings Research Park, located primarily in the city of Huntsville, Alabama is the second largest research park in the United States, and the fourth largest in the world. The Research Triangle Park in North Carolina is the only research park in the United States that is larger. Cummings Research...
). In this position, he supervised the cost and schedule portion of the Hardsite Defense Missile System (later the National Missile Defense).
In July 1971, the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Advanced Technology Center (BMDATC) was formed as an independent agency, taking over ABMDA-Huntsville. Kirkpatrick was named Chief of Program Management and remained in this position until January 1976. There he participated in developing rationale for, and priorities of, highly innovative missile defense technologies.
Kirkpatrick was on educational leave at Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
from January 1976 through May 1977. As part of his work there, he participated in television experiments between the university and the Canadian Public Service Commission.
Returning to BMDATC, between June 1977 and September 1979, Kirkpatrick served as Deputy Director of Management and Administration. He performed liaison with the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is a headquarters-level staff of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. It is the principal civilian staff element of the Secretary of Defense, and it assists the Secretary in carrying out authority, direction and control of the Department...
, the Office of Management and Budget, and certain Congressional Committees. He also formulated and directed studies in strategic systems doctrine; in this, he convened eleven symposia involving leading strategic thinkers in the free world to assess the role of active missile defense in the context of the emerging strategic environment
For a year starting in September 1979, Kirkpatrick was a Congressional Science Fellow, selected competitively by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the professional society for the field of aerospace engineering. The AIAA was founded in 1963 from the merger of two earlier societies: the American Rocket Society , founded in 1930 as the American Interplanetary Society , and the Institute...
. As a member of the professional staff of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, he had principal staff responsibility for materials policy legislation and laser research hearings, and assistant responsibility on the NASA budget authorization. He also served as an advisor on national defense issues to the Committee.
Returning to Redstone Arsenal in 1980, Kirkpatrick established and served as Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Ballistic Missile Defense Program Manager. There he formulated broad policies and long-range ballistic-missile defense goals and policies. Kirkpatrick also conducted strategic policy and arms control studies, and initiated a series of studies by prominent strategic thinkers and arms control experts. He was instrumental in the development of non-nuclear, hit-to-kill technology, upon which current missile defense systems are based.
High-technology firm executive
Kirkpatrick retired from Civil Service in March 1982, and formed DESE Research, Inc.DESE Research
DESE Research, Inc., is a veteran-owned, small-business firm conducting theoretical and analytical research services in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. DESE was formed in 1982 by former U.S. Army civil-service executive Dr. Wallace Kirkpatrick...
, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. He presently serves as the CEO of this knowledge-based small-business enterprise that conducts theoretical and analytical research in the areas of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment (DESE).
After forming DESE, Kirkpatrick continued a strong personal involvement in national security, conducting research in missile defense, space control, and intelligence. Cognizant of the rapidly changing global security environment, the proliferation of technology, and the evolving threats to the United States and its Allies, he prepared a paper that received the Gnosis
Gnosis
Gnosis is the common Greek noun for knowledge . In the context of the English language gnosis generally refers to the word's meaning within the spheres of Christian mysticism, Mystery religions and Gnosticism where it signifies 'spiritual knowledge' in the sense of mystical enlightenment.-Related...
Award from the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
in 1983, the awarded being presented in person by Edward Teller
Edward Teller
Edward Teller was a Hungarian-American theoretical physicist, known colloquially as "the father of the hydrogen bomb," even though he did not care for the title. Teller made numerous contributions to nuclear and molecular physics, spectroscopy , and surface physics...
.
Under Kirkpatrick’s leadership, DESE Research has been recognized for its contributions to the Huntsville high-technology community. Kirkpatrick and DESE are noted for their high ethical standards.
When DESE Research was formed, the firm became a member of the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce (H/MCCoC), with Wally Kirkpatrick as the representative. He soon became very active in affairs of the H/MCoC, and has remained so through the years: Member of Board of Directors, 1990–Present; Board Chairman, 1995; Member of Executive Committee, 1992–1995; Chairman of Partnership for Economic Development, 1994; Small Business Executive of the Year, 1992; Chairman of Space Station Task Force, 1991; and Chairman of National Government Committee, 1988-1992.
Philanthropist
PhilanthropyPhilanthropy
Philanthropy etymologically means "the love of humanity"—love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of "what it is to be human," or "human potential." In modern practical terms, it is "private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of...
is the active effort to promote human welfare. Wally Kirkpatrick’s philanthropic contributions range from activities such as promoting Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
and the United Way of America to the development of Huntsville’s marina and port and the University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a state-supported, public, coeducational research university, located in Huntsville, Alabama, United States, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees, and is organized in five...
. For the Boy Scouts, he led in consolidating activities in 22 counties, forming the Greater Alabama Counci
Scouting in Alabama
Scouting in Alabama has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live.-Early history :...
l. He chaired a capital campaign, raising funds to renovate the local Boy Scout facility, now named the Wallace E. Kirkpatrick Scout Shop. In recent years, he raised over $1 million for the Boy Scouts.
Since 2001, Kirkpatrick has been a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of America (recognizing major personal contributions); in 2011, he pledged $50 thousand. For the United Way of Madison County, Kirkpatrick led a capital campaign that raised the funds to purchase the present United Way facility. Since 2005, he has served as Board President responsible for Ditto Landing, Huntsville-Madison County’s marina and port on the Tennessee River
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is approximately 652 miles long and is located in the southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. The river was once popularly known as the Cherokee River, among other names...
, and raised over $1 million for operations and improvements. He participates in many development activities at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and funded a $50 thousand academic scholarship.
In 2007, the Wallace E. (Wally) Kirkpatrick Family Foundation was established to receive and maintain a fund, the income from which is to be used exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, research, or educational purposes. The duration of this foundation is perpetual, and a substantial portion of his estate will go to the foundation upon his death.
Educational achievements
Although Kirkpatrick did not have an undergraduate degree, he was accepted as a graduate student in the Maxwell School of Syracuse University in January 1976. Under Government sponsorship, he completed the Master of Public AdministrationMaster of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration is a professional post-graduate degree in Public Administration. The MPA program prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, state/provincial, and federal/national government, and increasingly in nongovernmental organization and...
(M.P.A.) degree, as well as course work for the doctoral degree by May 1977.
Kirkpatrick was awarded the honorary Doctor of Management
Doctor of Management
Doctor of Management is an academic degree awarded on the basis of advanced study and research in management.The D.M. degree is awarded by some American and international universities, and is similar to a PhD degree in management and business-related sciences...
degree from Southeastern Institute of Technology
Southeastern Institute of Technology
Southeastern Institute of Technology , Huntsville, Alabama, was formed in 1976 as a private, not-for-profit, professional school under the provisions of Title 10 of the Code of Alabama...
in 1992, and the honorary Doctor of Science
Doctor of Science
Doctor of Science , usually abbreviated Sc.D., D.Sc., S.D. or Dr.Sc., is an academic research degree awarded in a number of countries throughout the world. In some countries Doctor of Science is the name used for the standard doctorate in the sciences, elsewhere the Sc.D...
degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a state-supported, public, coeducational research university, located in Huntsville, Alabama, United States, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees, and is organized in five...
in 1996.
Recognitions received
During his civil-service career, Kirkpatrick received 9 outstanding performance awards and 25 letters of commendation from senior Department of Defense officials. Other special recognitions throughout the years include the following:- Recognized at the Summit on Philanthropy by the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County, 2011
- Named Honorary Member of Beta Gamma SigmaBeta Gamma SigmaBeta Gamma Sigma or ΒΓΣ is an honor society for business students and scholars. Founded in 1913 at the University of Wisconsin, it has over 650,000 members, selected from over 500 chapters in AACSB-accredited business schools...
, School of Business, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2010 - For community services, received the President's Volunteer Service AwardPresident's Volunteer Service AwardThe President's Volunteer Service Award program was established to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others. These volunteers can be individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States....
(established by George W. Bush), 2006 - Inducted into the United States Army Space and Missile Defense CommandUnited States Army Space and Missile Defense CommandThe United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command is a specialized major command within the United States Army. The command was established in 1997...
Hall of Fame, 1997 - Received Business Fellow Award from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, 1992
- Named Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Executive of the Year, 1992
- Received Defense Management Award from the National Defense Industrial AssociationNational Defense Industrial AssociationThe National Defense Industrial Association is an association for the United States government and the defense industry. Based in Arlington, Virginia, NDIA was established in 1919 as a result of the inability of the defense industry to scale up the war effort during World War I...
, 1988 - Received GnosisGnosisGnosis is the common Greek noun for knowledge . In the context of the English language gnosis generally refers to the word's meaning within the spheres of Christian mysticism, Mystery religions and Gnosticism where it signifies 'spiritual knowledge' in the sense of mystical enlightenment.-Related...
Award for Most Outstanding Article on Strategic Thought, U.S. House of Representatives, 1983 - Received Outstanding Junior Executive Award from the U.S. Army Missile Command, 1965
Special activities
Throughout his career, Kirkpatrick has been a major participant in professional and civic activities. In addition to those previously noted, these activities have included the following:- Member of the President’s Council, the University of Alabama in Huntsville; life member of Administrative Science Business Council
- Member and Past Chairman of the Board, Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Leadership Alabama, Class of 2000-2001
- Past Board Member: National Defense Industrial AssociationNational Defense Industrial AssociationThe National Defense Industrial Association is an association for the United States government and the defense industry. Based in Arlington, Virginia, NDIA was established in 1919 as a result of the inability of the defense industry to scale up the war effort during World War I...
; Alabama Commission on Aerospace Science and Industry (appointed by three different governors); Governor’s Regional Economic Development; Better Business Bureau of North Alabama; Army Space and Missile Defense Association; Calhoun Community College Foundation; International Space UniversityInternational Space UniversityThe International Space University is a private university founded in 1987. The University currently offers three degree granting programs — Master of Science in Space Management, Master of Science in Space Studies and Executive MBA — in addition to a non-degree-granting Space Studies Program.The...
; Huntsville Botanical Gardens; Friends of Salvation Army; National Children’s Advocacy Center; BizTech - Present Member: Rotary InternationalRotary InternationalRotary International is an organization of service clubs known as Rotary Clubs located all over the world. The stated purpose of the organization is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help...
; Association of the United States ArmyAssociation of the United States ArmyThe Association of the United States Army is a private, non-profit organization that acts primarily as an advocacy group for the United States Army. Founded in 1950, it has 125 chapters worldwide. Membership is open to everyone, not just Army personnel, nor is membership mandatory for soldiers,...
; National Defense Industrial Association; American Institute of Aeronautics and AstronauticsAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and AstronauticsThe American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is the professional society for the field of aerospace engineering. The AIAA was founded in 1963 from the merger of two earlier societies: the American Rocket Society , founded in 1930 as the American Interplanetary Society , and the Institute...
; Army Space and Missile Defense Association