Andrew Pipkin
Sidi Andrew Pipkin | |
---|---|
Foreign affairs | |
Monarch | Joni I |
Prime Minister | Chandra Pristo |
Personal details | |
Born | Andrew James Pipkin March 5, 1974 Andro |
Citizenship | Orioni |
Nationality | Orinese |
Political party | Bleuropa |
Domestic partner | Louis Todd |
Parents |
|
Relatives | Margreth "Maggy" Pipkin |
Alma mater | Vega Military Academy |
Sir Andrew Pipkin, KBE, a prominent character in global affairs since his first appointment as Councillor of Foreign Affairs on April 5, 2006, remains to this day the face in many minds when Orioni is mentioned. Covering Sir Pipkin’s many contributions over the past decade would span an entire novel--fitting poorly with this publication's comfortable format. During the last two years alone, Sir Pipkin has been spotlighted in several major events, the most important of which being the Empire's re-emergence in foreign affairs following a period of relative isolationism and a shift in the political weathervane. This was followed by a series of events which once again propelled the eastern island nation to the forefront of international attention; the G7 summit in O'polis, the EOS 20 Year Action Plan for Antargis, and other bilateral diplomatic meetings with other foreign affairs leaders.
Early life and education
Educated at Vega Military Academy (1992-1998), as a member of the signal corps. These studies included languages, communication studies and diplomatic relations.
Military career
Pipkin served as Chief Signal Officer during the Great Pot War. His convoi was driving through the SSSS, when the vehicle carrying Lt. Pipkin hit a landmine. The vehicle flipped, and the resulting crash irreversibly injured his spine. Pipkin described the incident in an interview for Rhyme Magazine.[1]
After graduating from the Vega Military Academy, my active duty took me to several foreign posts, testing and improving our communications infrastructure. It was the late 1990’s and technology was evolving at a rapid pace. Not to mention the overblown fear of a Y2K bug. But I digress. So there I was, probably 30 years old, when we go to war with the SSSS. At the time I held the rank of Lieutenant and served as Chief Signal Officer. Making sure our command and control system works, without any glitches. If you ask me, an effective flow communication and intelligence was part of what helped us win the conflict. The war was actually almost over when I had my accident. That day we had tested the second antenna in our FOB. So in the evening, when our convoy was driving back to our MOB, we hit a landmine. The vehicle flipped, and the resulting crash irreversibly injured my spine. Doctors tried some experimental surgery, but nothing that actually worked. I was put on the next flight back to Orioni. One month later, we watched the SSSS-regime collapse and that was the end of it. I would have enjoyed being part of the peace-keeping and reconstruction effort and peace-keeping. But I still had to get used to my training wheels.
Political career
- Former ambassador to Vanarambaion (2004-2006)
- Councillor of foreign affairs (2006-2007; 2015-present)
- Founding member of the Entente of Oriental States (June 2006)
Political views
Cultural and political image
Sir Pipkin was knighted in 2006, receiving the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the Beautiful Empire. His friendship with Prince Toren, brother of the Empress, probably had something to do with it. But publicly, it was a reward for his peacekeeping efforts in Europa. The award was presented by the sovereign on 8 December 2006.
Family and personal life
His life-partner is Mr Louis Todd, of which little is known. Andrew has no children. He has one sister, Maggy Pipkin, who still lives in Andro.
Andrew has a long friendship with Chairlady Chandra Pristo, who appointed him in 2006. He is also quite friendly with Prince Toren, the defence councillor. His protégé is Mrs Anna Hackney, the EOS delegate, who is being groomed as a potential successor. Internationally, he gets along quite well with Ms Ana Codrianu, the minister of Foreign Affairs of Suverina.
References
- ↑ The Pipkin Perspective. Questions on Sir Andrew Pipkin’s personal life, diplomatic views, and other interesting insights, Rhyme Magazine, January 2018