Prides of the Pack: Staff Sgt. Kendrick Butler, Senior Airman Theresa Speer

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  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  

Staff Sgt. Kendrick Butler

Unit: 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Duties: Metals technology shift supervisor

Hometown: Dallas

Hobbies: Working out, basketball, sightseeing

Favorite music: Hip Hop

Follow on: Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Last good movie you saw: Transformers 3

Best thing you've done here: Increased my technical expertise in my career field and enjoyed seeing the country.

Reason for nomination: "During an inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon rudder control surface, a gouge was discovered on the upper attach point. Butler proceeded to see if a repair was available in the technical data provided. Due to the critical nature of this important flight control, no repair was available.

An engineering disposition request was submitted to the engineers at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The engineers approved the suggested repair procedures. Butler then manufactured an alignment guide pin and precisely line reamed the two upper attach points to within .0005 inches. Butler continued the repair with the manufacture of two bushings to precise dimensions and installed these bushings into the attach points to complete the complex repair.

Butler's above and beyond approach to his normal duties put the aircraft back into full mission capable status. Furthermore, he saved more than $80,000 and countless aircraft downtime in rudder control surface replacement and depot team costs; but more importantly he provided the 8th FW and the 421st EFS with another jet to "Take the Fight North!" Butler consistently exhibited superior expertise and professionalism and is truly deserves the title, 'Pride of the Pack' for the 8th Fighter Wing." -- Maj. Cesar Gonzalez, 8th Maintenance Squadron


Senior Airman Theresa Speer

Unit: 8th Maintenance Squadron (Member of Hill AFB's theater support package)

Duties: Avionics intermediate technician
Hometown: Clearfield, Utah

Hobbies: Writing, volunteering, hiking, photography

Favorite music: Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas

Follow on: Return to Hill AFB after TSP ends

Last good movie you saw: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Best thing you've done here: I've had the opportunity to go visit Ilmagwon Orphanage and visit the kids weekly. First, I noticed they had clothes but their socks were worn out. So I came up with the project, "Socks for Cold Feet." Next, I worked with my shop, the TSP and friends back home collecting donations. More than 500 pairs have been donated so far and packages are still arriving.

Reason for nomination: "Speer started a 'Socks for Cold Feet' campaign with a goal, 'to collect 300 pairs of socks for the children of the Ilmagwon Orphanage, in all sizes in time for Christmas.' Ideally, each of the 77 orphans would receive at least three pairs of new socks.

Since Nov. 10, Speer collected 339 pairs of new socks from her unit, other Wolf Pack friends, plus family and friends stateside. Donations were via socks and cash, which purchased socks that contributed to this total. This first batch was delivered to the appreciative orphanage director Dec. 20. The delivery was assisted by Wolf Pack volunteers on their way to the weekly orphanage visit. Donations continue to arrive, and Speer has vowed to continue delivering them as they come in," Army Sgt. Brian Siegelwax, American Forces Network.