PACAF command chief visits the Wolf Pack

by Senior Airman Taylor Curry
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/12/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Hutchison, Pacific Air Forces command chief, visited the 8th Fighter Wing and interacted with Airmen here Feb. 9.

Throughout his visit, Hutchison saw how Kunsan Airmen contribute to deterring aggression on the Korean Peninsula and remain ready to fight tonight.

Hutchison first had breakfast with Airmen from various squadrons at the O'Malley Dining Facility while discussing the future of the Air Force promotion system and enlisted performance reports. Airmen also had the chance to ask the chief questions and voice their own concerns as well.

"Chief Hutchison had a lot of great and inspiring words to share during our discussion," said Senior Airman Kat Helmick, 8th Maintenance Operations Flight wing scheduler. "It was great to hear what knowledge he had for us and to see how much he thinks of the younger generation as they become the future leadership. It was also good being able to hear what questions and concerns other Airmen had."

Following breakfast, Hutchison recognized Airmen for their excellent performance while touring the base and stopped at many units including the base post office, 8th Medical Group, 8th Force Support Squadron, 8th Security Forces Squadron and the aircraft maintenance units.

"Being a part of security forces, I considered this a huge honor," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Triggs, 8th SFS response forces leader. "Being recognized by the PACAF command chief who was prior security forces and receiving recognition for not only my performance, but for what the rest of my team does every day here at Kunsan is very humbling."

The final stop on his tour was the base theater, where members of the Pack gathered for an all-call to hear what the chief had for his Airmen.

During the all-call, Hutchison's key points included changes being made to the EPR program, follow-ons and the quality of living for dorm residents. He then ended with a personal reflection on his time as a defender at Pack.

"When I look back, I remember Kunsan as one of my favorite places to be stationed, and it wasn't about the location ... it's about the people I had the privilege to work with," he said.

As the enlisted leader of PACAF, Hutchison left Kunsan with a lasting impression of the Wolf Pack's role in the pacific, and the readiness of its Airmen.