CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Kristan Butler is a member of the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than five years.
In the weeks following Haiti's recent earthquake, Sergeant Butler has steadily been engaged in the massive relief effort, flying missions aboard C-17 aircraft with Charleston AFB's Flying Crew Chief Program.
As a full-fledged flying crew chief, Sergeant Butler's primary responsibilities consist of accompanying aircrews and their aircraft not just to Haiti, but also numerous other locations around the world which lack the ability to provide direct and specialized maintenance support for the C-17.
"It is my job to ensure that the aircraft is ready at all times to accomplish its mission safely and on time," he said.
Additionally, Sergeant Butler performs supervisory duties, including direct supervision of three Airmen who are also assigned to the 437 AMXS.
When it comes to the lengthy relief missions to Haiti and back, he said he feels his greatest contribution to the mission is accomplished by ensuring the aircraft he is assigned to remain fully mission capable en route to Haiti and while on the ground.
This "warrior of the week" hails from Statesboro, Ga., and joined the Air Force six years ago in honor of his family heritage, he said.
"I joined the Air Force over the other branches because of a long family tradition, dating back to the Army Air Corps," Sergeant Butler said. "My future goal is to finish my education and make chief someday. These have always been my goals."
According to Sergeant Butler, the best parts of his career are not the aspects which revolve around his own accomplishments, but those of his fellow Airmen.
"My favorite aspect of my job is being able to see firsthand the impact that Airmen here at Charleston have all around the world," he said.
Master Sgt. Jon-Thomas Duncan, Flying Crew Chief Program manager with the 437 AMXS, said Sergeant Butler has been valuable asset during the relief effort and has flown on four missions so far.
"Sergeant Butler has been on the Flying Crew Chief Program since November 2008. He has deployed for 70 days and is getting ready for his second deployment this summer," he said.
"On top of the deployments, Sergeant Butler flies close to 100 days per year. He is always willing to take any mission, any time to help the mission here at Charleston maintain its number-one standing in Air Mobility Command."