Pride of the Pack: Senior Airman Matthew Garcia, June 24-30

Senior Airman Matthew Garcia, 8th Communications Squadron Airfield Systems technician, inspects computer hardware using an oscilloscope to ensure proper signals and voltage at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 24, 2013. Garcia was named Kunsan’s “Pride of the Pack” winner June 24 - 30, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales/ Released)

Published July 24, 2013
By Public Affairs staff
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Editor's Note: Pride of the Pack Airmen are performers chosen by leadership for demonstrating the Air Force's Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Rank and name: Senior Airman Matthew Garcia
Unit: 8th Communications Squadron
Duties: Airfield Systems Technician
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Hobbies: Watching movies, gaming and drawing
Favorite music: Rock
Follow on: Don't have one as of now
Last good movie you saw: Dark Knight Rises
Best thing you've done here: Assisted in coordination and installation of digital audio legal recorder system in the radar approach control and tower

What he did:
Garcia restored service to a critical air traffic control and landing system after a power spike damaged the system. He removed and replaced damaged modules in the Tactical Air Navigation set, worth $25K, and flawlessly performed complex alignments. Additionally, Garcia performed intricate depot-level troubleshooting and repairs to fix a faulty switch, restoring use of a monitor two days ahead of arrival of replacement parts. Ultimately, Garcia's actions enabled safe flying operations for the Wolf Pack during limited visibility.

-Submitted by Staff Sgt. Derrick Shelton