Red Calkin was born and raised in Princeton, NJ. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the University of Kentucky. His enthusiasm for life and encouragement for others made him a member of the University of Kentucky Wildcat Cheerleading Squad. He also met his wife while attending University of Kentucky. Following graduation and commissioning through the University of Kentucky ROTC program, Red began his Army career as an aviator. He earned his wings at Ft. Rucker, Alabama in helicopters and subsequently checked out in fixed wing aircraft as well. Red had a successful 26 year career in the Army including a tour in Vietnam during the conflict in Southeast Asia. His second career was with TRW as a program manager.

But Red’s true love was always the Lord, his dear wife Mike, his children Amy and Jonathan, and more recently, his three grandchildren. Red has always had a heart for the Lord. He and Mike were members of Bible studies at their different military assignments as well as being involved with the Post Chapel or local church. Red has a heart for discipling men of all ages. He has met weekly with individuals one on one and with a men’s group for accountability and prayer. Prayer is one of his passions. He has faithfully been a member of the Burke Community Church (BCC) prayer ministry for over 20 years that includes a weekly meeting at 5:30 AM to pray for his church and individuals. He and his wife Mike have led the Abundant Life Ministry for years at BCC. This ministry is based on Dr. Neil Anderson’s Freedom in Christ Ministry.

Red also continues to be active in men’s ministry where he has nurtured and encouraged countless young men as well his peers in pursuing godly lives. Red has an accountability partner who he, Red, has accompanied to his presentations on spiritual issues. Red’s heart for the Lord has resulted in him being called to serve as an elder on BCC’s Council of Elders for three 3-year terms. He is currently serving on BCC’s elder nominating committee. Red also continues to be the co-leader of BCC’s annual summer mission project in West Virginia. When he is not pursuing one of the many ministries he is involved with, he is visiting hospitalized church members, working on church projects, and helping other men with home projects. He and his wife find time to pursue one of their favorite past times, jitterbugging.

He exemplifies a servant’s heart with his selfless service to and for others. When the Lord calls Red home, we believe that He will relish saying, “Well done good and faithful servant.” We are honored to honor, Red Calkin for the Wall of Honor.

Randy Brandt
Fellow servant in the Lord