Pride of the Pack: Staff Sgt. Amanda "Mae" O'Brien

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

Unit: 8th Medical Operations Squadron

Duties: Serves as Unit Deployment Manager. Ensures all MDG members are trained and equipped for all exercises and real-world scenarios. Briefs leadership on unit readiness.

Hometown: Chesterfield, Mass.

Hobbies: Cooking, Karaoke and trying new things

Favorite music: Classic Rock and dance music

Follow on: Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Last good movie you saw: Gangs of New York

Best thing you've done here: So far, the highlight of my time here has been singing for the Wolf's Change of Command. I was still brand-new to my unit and to be allowed to be a part of something so important was truly an honor!

Reason for nomination: "Staff Sgt. Amanda O'Brien prepared three 8th Medical Group members for a "high vis" deployment to support the U.S. Pacific Command's OPERATION PACIFIC ANGEL. The operation was a humanitarian mission to Mongolia. She briefed and prepared deployment requirements and corrected improper travel arrangements thus complying with reporting instructions. These members are now fully qualified to deploy this week as Air Force good-will ambassadors. Additionally, O'Brien performed duties exceptionally after only a one-day training session, she expertly conducted medical readiness in-processing for 12 newly assigned personnel ensuring proper medical contingency response plan and emergency management team placement. This action enhances our ability to "Defend the Base, Accept Follow on Forces, and Take the Fight North". O'Brien also volunteered personal time at the Sonlight Inn; she assisted visiting personnel, conducted housekeeping operations and facility closure procedures. Finally, she supported a time honored tradition, singing our National Anthem at ceremonies and events to include, the 8th Fighter Wing, 8th MDG, 8th Medical Support Squadron, 8th Comptroller Squadron and 80th Fighter Squadron changes of command, the Asian-Pacific Heritage luncheon, a promotion ceremony and the Memorial Day kick-off. O'Brien has been significantly involved with Kunsan organizations both on and off duty and has proven to be a great addition to the Wolf Pack; she must be our latest 'Pride of the Pack'." - Chief Master Sgt. John Busby, 8th Medical Group