Wild Weasel of the Week: Airman 1st Class Kheera Etherton

  • Published
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Each week a member of the 35th Fighter Wing is selected as the Wild Weasel of the Week. This individual is recognized based on superior performance, outstanding work ethic, and overall good conduct and discipline.

The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron chose Airman 1st Class Kheera Etherton, engineering apprentice from Kennewick, Wash., as its Wild Weasel of the Week.

What's your daily mission?
To collect and maintain data around the base, as well as effectively keep our base fit to fight.

What do you enjoy about your job?
Working outside with our surveying equipment because there is always something new to learn.

Why did you choose to serve the military?
To further my education. I also love to travel and experience new cultures.
 
Who is you favorite mentor and what did you learn from them?
My father. Growing up, I enjoyed watching and learning his way of thinking and how one should live.

Time in Misawa:
8 months

Time in the military:
14 months

Greatest accomplishment:
Writing a children's book and coming to Japan

Goals:
Earn my associates degree, explore Japan and climb Mt. Fuji

Favorite Quote:
"It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility; they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it." - Charlotte Brontë

Squadron motto
"Mess with the bull, get the horns"

Supervisor's remarks:
"Airman Etherton arrived at our unit last fall, and from day one she provided a glimpse into what the next generation of Airmen will be like: exceptionally capable, mentally strong, and an unwavering passion to getting the job done right the first time, every time. Her professionalism and high-speed skill-sets were paramount in the Engineering Flight winning Flight of the Year for PACAF, as well as being personally recognized by Col. Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing commander, as an exceptional performer when he coined her during a squadron review. Whether it's surveying aircraft glide angles and approaches in the frigid cold or modifying $100 million architectural projects with Geospatial software, Etherton goes beyond being 'truly among the best,' but rather the foundation and perfect example for Airman and civilian alike for generations to come. We are honored to have her as our shining example in the engineering flight." - Staff Sgt. Shawn Smith, 35 CES NCO in charge of GeoBase.