Wild Weasel of the Week: Tech. Sgt. Robert Perecko



Each week a member of the 35th Fighter Wing is selected as the Wild Weasel of the Week. This individual is recognized by a different unit each week based on superior performance, outstanding work ethic, and overall good conduct and discipline.

The 13th Fighter Squadron chose Tech. Sgt. Robert Perecko, combat intelligence supervisor, as their Wild Weasel of the Week.

What is your daily mission?
Our daily mission is to educate ourselves and 13th FS F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots on threat capabilities and limitations.  We maintain currency of search and rescue materials to facilitate timely recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel or downed pilots.  We inform pilots on current intelligence topics to increase their situational awareness of significant events within Pacific Air Forces.

What do you enjoy about your job?
The best part about my job is the squadron pride!  I love the brotherhood and rapport with my fellow Panthers!  I also enjoy the challenging mission, travel, honest feedback and improvement.  This has been the most challenging and rewarding job in my entire Air Force career. 

Why did you choose to serve in the Air Force? 
I chose to serve in the Air Force because I was unsure about what path I wanted to take after graduating high school, and the Air Force offered many benefits.  I also have a family military history.  My grandfather served in the Army and obtained the rank of lieutenant colonel.  Sadly, he was killed in Vietnam, so I never got to meet him.  I also have two uncles, one a Marine colonel and the other an Army lieutenant colonel (retired).  They both advised me to join the Air Force, so I figured there must be something good to it!

What is your favorite thing about living in Japan? 
My favorite thing about living in Japan is everything.  Japan is very clean and our Japanese partners are very nice.  I love the food; especially curry, sushi and ramen.  I love the cars and being able to safely race at the local race tracks whenever I please.  I love their culture which seems engrained in everything.

Who has been your best mentor and what have they taught you?
I wouldn't say I have a single "best mentor."  I've had multiple mentors throughout my career who each provided something different.  However, I would say my top four mentors here at Misawa have been my weapons officer, Capt. Anthony Norman, my former supervisor, Capt. Jonathan Waag, my current supervisor, 1st Lt. Trevor Hone, and my former senior enlisted leader, Master Sgt. Tina Hettinga.

How long have you been stationed at Misawa?
I have been stationed at Misawa for two years.

How long have you been in the Air Force?
I have served in the Air Force for more than 12 years.

What goals do you want to meet while at Misawa?
A goal I would like to meet while at Misawa is to be more involved in private organizations such as Air Force Sergeants and Team 5/6. 

What goals do you want to meet during your Air Force career?
Professionally, I would like obtain at least 20 years of service, complete my Community College of the Air Force degree and obtain the rank of at least master sergeant.  I would like to keep improving my mentorship and supervisory skills.  Personally, I would like to have a positive impact on as many people as possible.  I was taught "People first, mission always."