Wolf 42 returns to Kunsan, honors annual award winners

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Maj. Gen. Robin Rand, Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff and the 42nd 8th Fighter Wing commander from 2003-2004, visited Kunsan Air Base Feb. 11 to meet Airmen around base and serve as guest speaker at the annual awards banquet.

The general's visit included a lunch with Airmen and a mission brief by the 8th Security Forces Squadron at the training area Big Coyote, and concluded with his attendance at the annual awards banquet that recognized the wing's nominees and award winners.

During his lunch with Airmen, General Rand gave words of advice to the Wolf Pack members at the O'Malley Dining Facility.

"You should be committed to making your organization better -- be world class," General Rand said. "Make yourself better -- physically, professionally and spiritually or emotionally."

He added Airmen should be focused on taking care of each other and maintaining the standards put down by the Wolf, Col. John Dolan, 8th FW commander.

"Take care of each other," he said. "This is the wingman concept. Bring your wingman home, and this sometimes means just being a shoulder to lean on."

"Be humble and approachable," the general added. "And strive to set the right example in the air and on the ground. You are all brothers and sisters in the same fight."

The general continued to echo his words of wisdom during the annual awards banquet that concluded his trip.

"Spending time with great young Airmen and attending this wonderful ceremony, where we recognize the best of the best, is overwhelming for this old fighter pilot," said the general.

Along with the general, more than 200 Wolf Pack members and senior leaders from 7th Air Force gathered together to recognize the superior performance and outstanding achievements of the award winners and nominees.

During the ceremony, the general addressed the audience and thanked the Airmen for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

"Thanks to each of you for your service," said General Rand. "I am thankful for people like you and your families for the mission you are committed to 24/7."

The general then asked the audience, "What separates them [the award nominees] from the other Airmen at Kunsan, where average is often great?"

"Well, each of these nominees have all demonstrated they are willing to go the extra mile, work the longest hours, volunteer for duties and tasks that no one else will, serve as positive role models and leaders, and accept the toughest challenges we have," he explained.

Kunsan, strategically a remote location for the defense of the peninsula and America, can be a hard assignment, but General Rand reminded the nominees of the importance and impact Kunsan and the Wolf Pack bring to the Department of Defense and the Republic of Korea.

"In 1953, the Republic of Korea was dark and had been leveled as a result of the war," he said. "But 57 years later, it is a beacon of light and a model country for the region."

"It is people like you who keep it from looking like the north [North Korea]," he continued. "Strategically we need to have a democratic country here and that is why we are here. This is what makes what you do so integral to the overall mission of the Air Force."

With more than 30 years of committed service, the general explained why he continues to serve.

"I serve because of our Airmen," the general said. "If the north could take out the Air Force, they could take out the ROK."

"You are vitally important to keeping the peace," he added. "I serve in the memory of those who have come before me -- some gave it all."

The general told stories of those he knew who gave their lives in defense of their nation and asked the audience, "What will your legacy be?"

"I know I am a better Airman because of my service at Kunsan," he added. "And I contend that each of you in attendance are also better Airmen because of your service at Kunsan."

After the general spoke, the annual award winners were announced. They are:

Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Joseph Anongsack, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Yusef Saad, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Victoria Lemke, 8th Maintenance Squadron

Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Cory Helms, 8th MXS

First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Patrick Piazza, 8th LRS

Honor Guard Member of the Year: Staff Sgt. Joelina Diaz, 8th FSS

Outstanding Civilian of the Year (Category 1): Kim Hyong-Chun, 8th Force Support Squadron

Outstanding Civilian of the Year (Category 2): Kim Hyonok, 8th Fighter Wing

Outstanding Civilian of the Year (Category 3): Yi Chun-Ae, 8th Comptroller Squadron