President Bush promotes naval reservist Kirk to commander

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican who serves as an officer with the U.S. Naval Reserves, was promoted to commander last week.

President Bush formally promoted Kirk in a White House ceremony. Kirk's wife, Kimberly Vertolli-Kirk, and other relatives also attended.

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand before the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office and be a part of this special ceremony,” Kirk said in a news release.

Kirk is the only member of Congress drilling regularly as a naval reserve officer. He serves one weekend a month and two weeks a year as the assistant deputy director for intelligence in the National Military Joint Intelligence Center for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Previously, he served in Kosovo and Iraq.