“I feel so fortunate and blessed every time I put on my uniform, sometimes I can’t believe that I get to be a part of something that means so much to so many.”
— Bell Guard Kim Tompkins
Kim Tompkins joined the armed forces straight out of High School, leaving Arvada to serve many roles in the Navy. During her career, she held many positions, from grounds maintenance to the Auxillary Security Force, which protected the base from potential attach. She landed in supply, as a Store Keeper at Naval Air Station Pensacola during Desert Storm. Kim’s spent the last 20 years in the tech field as a computer programmer and is rounding out her training as a web developer at the University of Denver.
“I love being a member of the Bell Guard because it gives me a way to give back and say thank you to those who have committed to serve and protect our country,” Kim told us. “I am also setting a strong example of respect and community for my grandchildren, which I hope that they will carry throughout their lives.”
Being a part of the final salute to her fellow veterans is immensely rewarding for Tompkins. “ I have even had the incredible honor of tolling the Honor Bell for my Father, and also for a very good friend. It is hard to express what that has truly meant to me. The Honor Bell also means so much to the families as I have heard time and time again their gratitude for what we do.”