USFK commander coins Kunsan's stars

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea, visited Kunsan Air Base, Korea, May 4 to present 10 of Kunsan's Pacific Air Forces operational readiness inspection outstanding performers with his personal coin and words of gratitude and appreciation for a job well done.
 
"I'm here to congratulate some fine Airmen for their exemplary performance during the operational readiness inspection," said Army Gen. Walter Sharp, USFK commander. "The mission down here for the Wolf Pack is extremely important; the inspection demonstrates just how strong the Airmen are down here."

The members of the 8th Fighter Wing achieved an 'Excellent' rating in the inspection.

The general said it doesn't matter whether one is a mechanic, public affairs or a pilot -- all are members of a great mission to deter North Korea.

But he said this deterrence doesn't come without hard work and dedication, and he said he saw just how hard the Wolf Pack was willing to work to fulfill their mission during the recent ORI in April.

"A lot of work went into getting ready for this ORI," he said. "So it was very important for me to come down and acknowledge all that hard work and to try to make sure all the Airmen down here understand the importance of what they do on a day-to-day basis."

With approximately 2,700 active-duty Air Force and Army personnel assigned to Kunsan, flawlessly fulfilling the mission General Sharp leads, he said his visit was important as it gave him an opportunity to personally thank each member of the Wolf Pack for what they do.

"These ORI results were really very, very good, so I thought it would be right for me to come down and personally say, 'Thank you' for being prepared to fight and win," General Sharp said. "And thank you for all you do to strengthen the alliance and the work you do with the Republic of Korea Air Force."

"What the wing does down here to be prepared to very quickly go into combat operations very clearly sends a signal to North Korea that there is a strong force here ready to respond to any sort of attack or provocation," the general added.

Right in line with readiness to respond with force, Senior Airman Colt Crowe, 8th Security Forces Squadron security forces member, said he and his team is ready and willing and "will strike back very hard."

Airman Crowe received a coin from the general for rendering self-aid and buddy care to multiple security forces Airmen while under simulated fire, as well as many other notable achievements.

"It's great to show all our new troops coming in that they'll get recognized for doing the job they're given," he said.

After 19 months of service to the Wolf Pack, Airman Crowe said receiving the coin was a way to show how important what he and his defenders do. With security forces accomplishing an integral part of the base mission, he said "it was great to showcase how hard we work."

But like the general said, it's not just one unit who makes a difference, but all of the Wolf Pack working together to "take the fight North!"

"We are prepared and this wing is prepared to quickly strike," General Sharp said. "I am confident in this wing's capability to be able to accomplish our war plans and be able to continue strengthening the alliance."

"This is a great place to be an Airman," he continued. "It is a key part to our deterrent and our war plans capability."