Enlisted aide honored for behind-the-scenes service

Published March 5, 2008
By Ed White
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Master Sgt. Patrick Lilly was recognized as the 2007 Air Force Junior Enlisted Aide of the Year by his boss, Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command, in a ceremony held here Feb. 28.

"Pat Lilly is one of the 80 or so people in the Air Force who do this job. Believe me it is not an easy job either," said General Kehler. "This is not a nine-to-five job. It requires the flexibility to adapt to my ever-changing schedule."

Now the senior aide for the commander, Sergeant Lilly is also the functional manager for all the other enlisted aides in the command. He and a junior enlisted aide work at the Kehlers' quarters. They ensure all required maintenance and upgrades to the quarters happen as quickly and smoothly as possible. They plan, prepare and serve meals for official functions at the commander's quarters, and ensure his uniforms are always sharp.

"The commander has so much on his plate every single day that he shouldn't have to come home after working a 14-hour day and take care of his uniform for the next day," Sergeant Lilly said. "That is what we are there for, to take care of the behind-the-scenes stuff. General Kehler is running a huge command, and we are helping him make that job easier, so he doesn't have to worry about all the little stuff. That is what being a good enlisted aide is all about," he added.

"The enlisted aides are excellent at working behind the scenes. "Our presence is felt more than it is seen or heard," Sergeant Lilly said. "Our most important skill is the ability to anticipate, attend to details, and follow up."

Sergeant Lilly began his career as a cook. His first assignment after technical school was to Myrtle Beach AFB, S.C. From working as a baker on the midnight shift, he worked his way up to a prestigious assignment to the Air Force Executive Dining Facility at the Pentagon. There he learned about fine dining and was able to exercise his passion for cooking. He also learned that the facility is a training ground for enlisted aides.

"People who come out of that facility are often asked to be enlisted aides by general officers," Sergeant Lilly said. "The generals know that the culinary training and high standards of food service received at the dining facility means that the person will be an asset right away."

Sergeant Lilly earned his award while he was the junior aide for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He moved from Ramstein AB late in 2007 to go to work for the Kehlers. General Kehler is the fourth general officer he has worked for in the six years he has been an enlisted aide.

"There is no formula for being an enlisted aide. There are certain things that every aide has to do -- they come with the job, like the uniforms, and the entertaining and the managing of the house," Sergeant Lilly said. "The real key is flexibility and a positive attitude."

"Life sure is a lot easier with the aides. These guys are great," General Kehler said.