Senior Airman Kyle Craig

  • Published
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  "Tip of the Spear" is a monthly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Senior Airman Kyle Craig, a munitions systems journeyman of the 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron, was selected for this month's spotlight.

Name: Senior Airman Kyle Craig

Unit: 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron

Duty Title: Munitions systems journeyman

Hometown: Show Low, Ariz.

Date Entered the Air Force: June 17, 2008

Hobbies: Sports, outdoor recreation and being an adrenaline junkie.

Why did you join the Air Force?
To give myself a chance to see the world and to carry on the tradition in my family to serve this great country. 

How does your Air Force specialty contribute to the mission?
We are responsible for maintaining the U.S. Air Force's entire munitions stockpile. We are the keepers of our peace and creators of destruction.

If you were Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force?
I would try to get rid of the Thunderbirds due to the government trying to find ways to save money.

What's your favorite thing about Hurlburt Field?
I love being a part of the Air Force Special Operations Command.

What do you like most about being an Airman?
To know that what I do every day is actually making a difference. I don't think a lot of people can say that.

What's one thing you wish you were told before joining the Air Force?
To take a computer class due to us having to use them every day.

What motivates you at work?
Always wanting to learn something new and grow as fast as I can in my career. The pride in my career field doesn't hurt either. 

Who are your heroes/role models?
My dad casts a big shadow so I will always look up to him.

Advice to others?
Admit to your mistakes so you can learn from them; and I.Y.A.A.Y.A.S.

Why was he selected?
"Senior Airman Craig has excelled as conventional munitions maintenance support/crew member by providing the planning for and execution of refurbishing 2,600 unserviceable 105mm target practice rounds. Refurbishing these rounds is essential for pilot/aircrew proficiency and qualification required to ensure the 1st Special Operations Wing's assets are combat capable. In addition to supporting normal flightline requirements, Craig coordinated with three shops to ensure the TP rounds and serviceable fuses were delivered on time and that a plan was in place to remove and repackage the unserviceable fuses. Within one hour of delivery, all required assets were unpacked, inspected and maintenance began. By the end of the first week, 390 corroded fuses had been replaced, returning the complete round to a serviceable status and made available for flightline use. His efforts directly impact the Air Force's distinctive capability of agile combat support. Bottom line: Craig's forward thinking and "can do" attitude have enabled the 1st SOW pilots/aircrew to do what they do best--rain steel on the enemy, wherever they may be found!"
-Master Sgt. Daniel Lanter, superintendent of the 1st SOEMS