Pride of the Pack: Tech. Sgt. Dana Butler

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tech. Sgt Dana Butler from the 8th Mission Support Squadron was selected as the 8th Fighter Wing's Pride of the Pack for the week of May 21.
Each week the 8th Fighter Wing commander recognizes one member of the Wolf Pack by awarding them with a Pride of the Pack certificate for their stellar commitment to excellence and superior mission accomplishment.
Here are some of Sergeant Butler's highlights: 

Rank and full name: Tech. Sgt. Dana Butler
Unit: 8th Mission Support Squadron
Duty Title:
NCOIC, First Term Airman Center 
Job in a nutshell: She is responsible for managing day to day activties for all first term, first duty station Airmen. Her program transitions Airmen from a training to a mission-oriented environment
Hometown: Georgetown, SC
Previous Base: Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
Follow-on: Yokota AB, Japan
Hobbies: Shopping, socializing with close friends and working out.
Favorite music: Jazz and R&B
Last good movie: "Pursuit of Happyness"
Favorite Quote: "No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow." ~ Alice Walker 
Best thing you've done here: "Spending time with the students."


Letter from her commander:
Tech. Sgt. Butler has made a clear impact throughout the wing and community from the moment she arrived at Kunsan Air Base. She serves as the First-Term Airman Center Non-commissioned Officer In-charge and is responsible for managing all aspects of the FTAC program, to include coordination with various agencies to fill the curriculum. She also performs Resource Advisor duties and is responsible for controlling squadron funds. She is also an expert administrator who leads training blocks for members and performs key accountability duties in the Unit Control Center.

Since her arrival, Sgt. Butler's focus has been ensuring the FTAC program is alive and well. Her efforts provide stability for the program and a more dynamic and energized environment for the students. She reorganized the program and introduced the Demilitarized Zone visit into the curriculum, which helped boost each student's awareness as to why they are serving in Korea. She also coordinated with other agencies across the base and implemented dental exams, helping to clear all students prior to their transition into their respective units. It is also noteworthy that she facilitated live Honor Guard demonstrations, helping to increase volunteers for the organization.

In addition to Tech. Sgt. Butler's on duty accomplishments, she also has made the most of the opportunities to become involved in the local community. She led the African-American Heritage Committee in five successful events, including a banquet that provided wing members an insight to Kunsan's diverse culture.

Tech. Sgt. Butler's contributions to the Wolf Pack were recently validated during the 2007 Operational Readiness Inspection. During preparations for the ORI, she was everywhere the squadron needed her. She procured essential equipment necessary for MSS processes and ensured its members had everything they needed to successfully perform their mission. During the ORI, she led her shift in the Unit Control Center flawlessly. As UCC NCOIC, she successfully performed self-aid and buddy care scenarios and provided insightful responses to Inspector General questions. Her diligence and positive attitude did not go unnoticed, as she was presented by the 8 MSS Commander with the "Willing Warrior" award as a tribute to her efforts.

Tech. Sgt. Butler is the exemplary Non-commissioned Officer and continually sets the example for others to follow. She has made a lasting impact on the 8th Fighter Wing and the 8th Mission Support Squadron. She possesses a Community College of the Air Force degree in Hospital Administration and is now working on her Master's degree in Health Care Management. She exemplifies what an NCO can and will do to ensure the mission is accomplished. TSgt Butler is deserving of the Pride of the Pack Award.

Lt. Col. Robin McKinley
Commander, 8th Mission Support Squadron