Kunsan Top III: Taking care of the 'Pride'

Published June 2, 2010
By Master Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Kunsan Top III pulled out all the stops to show appreciation for their junior enlisted counterparts here by hosting a Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day May 21.

These leaders recognized the efforts of their junior enlisted and wanted to do something special to repay them for their hard work and dedication.

The day was filled with events and activities specifically geared to allow everyone to get involved and carry out the mission of the day - to have fun!

"These guys have been working really hard for the last few months. We felt it was important to show our appreciation for our junior enlisted for all their hard work," said Master Sgt. Charles Buterbaugh, president of the Kunsan Top III Association. "I think the day turned out great, there were plenty of activities, and everybody seemed to have enjoyed themselves."

Although the event was spear-headed by the top three echelons of the enlisted leadership, the entire wing supported the event and also wanted to say, "Thanks."
Along with the Top III, the Chiefs' and First Sergeants' Groups also played integral roles, from coordinating events to preparing the food. Everyone was encouraged to attend and take part in an event.

The activities of the day included a 5K fun run, softball, volleyball, dodge ball, racquetball, humvee pull, ultimate Frisbee, spades/dominoes, 3-on-3 basketball, combat challenge and the highlight of the day, the Chiefs vs Eagles flag football game.

Staff Sgt. Clinton Tinson, conventional maintenance crew chief deployed here with the 14th Fighter Squadron from Misawa Air Base, Japan, was part of a team who participated in the humvee push event.

"The events were fun. Our team did pretty well. I think it was a much needed day off for everybody," Sergeant Tinson said. "I came here from Misawa. It gets a little stressful there; it would be great if they have events like this as well."

Airman Jonathan Cabello, 8th Security Forces Squadron, participated in the 3-on-3 basketball game and said he was very pleased with the day's events.

"I think everything went well. The event was really organized. I am glad they showed appreciation for the Airmen," said Airman Cabello. "Kunsan is my first base and I like the way they take care of the Airmen here. It showed that they recognize and treat us as future leaders in the Air Force."

This is exactly the reaction Senior Master Sgt. Karen Reed, Kunsan Top III member and event organizer, wanted.

"They have worked so hard this past year to make the Wolf Pack shine," Sergeant Reed said. "Again and again they have stepped up to meet every challenge we have thrown at them, so this is about us giving back to them and honoring their Integrity, Service Before Self and Excellence in all that they do! Thank you to our junior enlisted for bringing it to the fight every day."

While this may have seemed like a day of just fun and games, there were other underlying benefits as well. Events such as this also help in building morale, teamwork and camaraderie.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Gilligan, 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron, ran in the 5K race and played volleyball.

"I think they should do this more often. It is a good morale booster," Sergeant Gilligan said. "I met people I haven't met before and I have been here for nine months. It is a great way to build teamwork and espirit de corp."

Many Airmen expressed their sentiments of thanks and appreciation. They were all touched by the acts of thoughtfulness and kindness and by being recognized as the pride of the Wolf Pack - a sense of pride that could be felt everywhere.

"I think this was a great event. It felt good to be appreciated," said Staff Sgt. Sherri Igartua, 8th Fighter Wing judge advocate paralegal. "There was plenty to do and it gave everyone an opportunity to take part and get involved."