Brookfield Lawyer Honored by National Guard Association

A Brookfield attorney who has donated pro bono legal services to military members and their families has been honored by the National Guard Association.

Jennifer Van Kirk, who lives in Brookfield and is a partner with the Milwaukee law firm Peckerman, Klein and Van Kirk, received the Patrick Henry Award Sunday at the National Guard Assocation of the United States annual convention held in Milwaukee.

She was one of five national recipients of the award, which recognizes civilians who provide "outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard" or the National Guard Association, according to the association's web site.

Van Kirk has volunteered since 2004 for the Wisconsin National Guard Family Program and its state advisory council. She was named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll in 2010 for the free legal work she has provided to military members, veterans and their families.

She said in a press release she was humbled by the "magnitude of this recognition."

"The National Guard family, both service members and volunteers, is filled with kind and hardworking people, full of integrity and courage," she said. "To be chosen by that same National Guard family, and nominated by people for whom I have great respect, is an unparalleled honor for me."

She said she enjoys helping the families and learning about their service and training. 

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, said Van Kirk demonstrated the community support that military members need.

"The bedrock of the National Guard rests upon professionalism, volunteerism and family," he said. "Without those vital components, we could not succeed in our mission to safeguard community and country."