HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Meet Ted Engebretson, Gate 4 supervisor for the F-16 Modification Line at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) in Tucson, Arizona. Ted and his five-member team of artisans operate an efficient AoP “machine” that manages the integration of five avionics upgrades to the F-16. Ted also oversees F-16 flightline maintenance from AMARG to delivery back to each aircraft’s home station. Ted and his Team’s efforts increase seven capabilities in the F-16, which enhance the operational and readiness capacity of the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard F-16 fleets.
Ted joined the AMARG team 15 years ago, after 21 years of Air Force and Air National Guard service, during which he served with the 12th Air Force’s A-10 demonstration team and earned his Airframe and Powerplant license. As a reservist, Ted worked for a time as a mechanic for Northwest Airlines, accomplishing heavy maintenance on Airbus A320 aircraft based in Duluth, Minnesota. However, when the September 11, 2001 attacks took place, Ted was reactivated, ending his career with the airline and returning him to Arizona.
“I enjoy what I do here at AMARG,” Ted said. “And I enjoy training and passing on knowledge to those who will be taking the reins behind me.”
Although Ted works on some of the most modern weapon systems, he is skilled in the operation of one of mankind’s earliest. “I am a decent archer,” Ted said. He once placed second in class at the Minnesota State Indoor Archery Championship. Ted can also boast that he “Robin Hooded” at least three arrows; in other words, he split an arrow already in the target with a second arrow, just like in the movies.
In his off hours, Ted works with the “Red Sleigh Toy Run,” a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who fulfill the Christmas wishes of less fortunate children from a local school district. With the help of businesses and individuals, the group raises money for gifts throughout the year. Then, when the holidays roll around, a motorcycle-borne Santa, towing a red sleigh full of gifts, followed by upwards of 100 motorcyclists, drives to the homes of children to deliver gifts. “Our giving doesn’t stop there,” Ted said. “The group members also hand out grocery-store gift cards to parents, and they pass on gifts to any neighborhood child who comes out to see what the commotion is all about.” The group also donates toys to local hospitals for kids going through a rough time in their lives.
Other than that, Ted says he’s up for anything outdoors, including hanging out with his four dogs, two cats, six chickens, and his wife of 19 years, KJ, short of Kathy Jo.