Pride of the Pack: Airman First Class Antonio Evangelista

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  Airman 1st Class Antonio Evangelista from the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was selected as the 8th Fighter Wing's Pride of the Pack for the week of Nov. 19. Each week, the 8th Fighter Wing commander recognizes one member of the Wolf Pack by awarding them with a Pride of the Pack certificate for their stellar commitment to excellence and superior mission accomplisment. Here are some of Airman Evangelista's highlights. 

Rank and full name: A1C Antonio Rempillo Evangelista Jr.
Unit: 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Duty Title: aircraft armament weapons specialist
What is your job in a nutshell?: Keeping aircrafts weapons capable. maintaining weapons systems. loading weapons (bombs, missiles, ammo)
Hometown: Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands 
Previous Base: Sheppard AFB TX
Follow-on: Misawa AB, Japan
Hobbies: Art drawing and painting
Favorite music: reggae
Last good movie: "Ocean's 13"
Favorite Quote: "Without Weapons, it's just another airline!"

Letter from his commander: 
It is my pleasure to recommend A1C Antonio Evangelista from the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron for the Pride of the Pack Award. A1C Evangelista has made numerous significant contributions to the wing and community from the moment he arrived on Kunsan Air Base in February 2006. Airman Evangelista's primary duty in the 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit is Weapons Load Crew Member. His keen attention to detail was evident when he discovered a loose missile launcher canard spring during an end-of-runway inspection preventing certain damage to the aircraft Additionally, A1C Evangelista is the 80th AMU swing shift's lead technician as he possesses unsurpassed aircraft maintenance management abilities and technical insight. This was shown when he assisted in the installation of 12 M61A1 20MM gun systems resulting in zero defects noted by Quality Assurance inspectors. Furthermore, he cleaned, prepared, and loaded the 80th Fighter Squadron CC's change of command aircraft with four air intercept missiles and received accolades for the perfect static display. His unyielding devotion to duty was evidenced by his selection to the 8th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance Honor Roll for the month of August. 

Airman Evangelista is Air Force Core Values personified and stands ready to help with the wing's mission statement of "take the fight north." His superior leadership was key to the successful execution of two Peninsula-wide Operational Readiness Exercises in which the 8 FW generated more than 1,000 sorties. His actions directly impacted the Wolf Pack's preparation for the PACAF Operational Readiness Inspection. All of his hard work paid off when the 8 FW garnered an overall "Excellent" rating and the maintenance group earned an "Excellent" rating for both employment and generation. 

In addition to his regular duties, AirmanEvangelista's enthusiastic can-do attitude and outstanding communication skills played a vital role in the success of the 80th AMU both on- and off-duty. He continually instills pride in others as he is the unit's top artist. He emblazoned "Juvatitude" and squadron emblems throughout the unit bolstering morale. 

Airman Antonio Evangelista exemplifies the best of the Wolf Pack and is deserving of this recognition. He consistently exhibits superior professional and never fails to deliver less than spectacular results.