Pride of the Pack: Master Sgt. Raul Pira

  • Published
  • By Maj. Sirena Morris
  • 8th Service Squadron commander (former)
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Master Sgt. Raul Pira has made a positive impact throughout the wing and community from the moment of his arrival to Kunsan Air Base in July 2007. 

He serves as the Squadron's Readiness Section Chief and is responsible for the management of plans, readiness and training programs for 48 personnel. He develops and updates the Services portion of the base support, emergency management and installation reception and deployment plans. He is also responsible for designing the Services Home Station Training curriculum and monitoring the Status of Resources Training System. Lastly, he manages the 8th Fighter Wing Mortuary Affairs program, Honor Guard Team and is the main focal point for a 26-member Search and Recovery Team.

Sergeant Pira's focus since arriving at Kunsan was Unit Compliance Inspection preparation and his efforts greatly enhanced the rating for the entire Wolf Pack. MSgt Pira volunteered countless hours and weekends to ensure all activities within the squadron were in compliance. 

As the UCI monitor he took initiative and ensured all continuity books were complete and 100 percent compliant for the team's visit. Sergeant Pira's tenacious work ethic was crucial to the management of a $1.1M War Reserve Material program, receiving and efficiently utilizing an additional $35K for WRM supplies, and ultimately ensuring "Outstanding" ratings during two wing WRM Staff Assistance Visits. 

Additionally, his leadership was flawless as his team smoothly accepted and bedded down 700 personnel for two Theater Security Packages.

Sergeant Pira's contributions to the Wolf Pack were demonstrated during his leadership in the Unit Control Center during three 7th Air Force Peninsula-wide Operational Readiness Exercises where he expertly managed the beddown operations for 15 chalks, resulting in zero errors in the processing of more than 1.5K Airmen. 

As a great Air Force steward he coordinated the Silver Flag cadre mobile team's visit to Kunsan Air Base saving more than $75K in TDY funds and elevating training requirements to 100 percent compliance. Additionally, Sergeant Pira volunteers to help out during the monthly Birthday meals at the Dining Facility; and his efforts were vital to boosting the morale of more than 500 guests. Sergeant Pira's leadership is ceaseless, he has volunteered more than 15 hours for A-Town Patrol, ensuring personnel return home safe.

Master Sgt. Pira is a consummate professional and Senior NCO; he continually sets the example for others to follow. He has made lasting impact for the 8th Fighter Wing and the Squadron. Sergeant Pira provides a "spot-on" readiness program, and his expert guidance garnered the squadron "Alpha Wolf Award" for the month of November 2007. Sergeant Pira deserves the Pride of the Pack Award.