Airmen recognized with BTZ promotions Published June 27, 2013 By Ashley M. Wright 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Eight Tyndall Airmen 1st Class received below-the-zone promotion notifications recently. "Being selected for Senior Airman Below the Zone is a once in a career opportunity and a direct reflection of an Airman's past performance and an indicator that they are prepared for increased responsibility six months ahead of their peer group," said Chief Master Sgt. Raymond DeVite, 325th Fighter Wing command chief. The BTZ program allows those in the rank of Airman 1st Class to be promoted to Senior Airman six months before they normally would. The recipients were: Airman 1st Class Brett L. Bastian "My favorite part of the job is being able to be a part of the team that provides the essential emergency medical care to save lives on base," said the Aerospace Medical Services technician. "It is a great feeling when you are able to see how all your training and hard work pays off on the job." Airman Bastian is from Carmel, Ind. and has been in the Air Force a year and nine months. "When I learned of my BTZ promotion, I was very ecstatic about being chosen," he said. "It has been one of my short term goals to get Senior Airman below the zone, and I was very grateful for being given the opportunity." Airman 1st Class John Chang Airman Chang, 325th Security Forces Squadron, he performs the necessary duties to keep the Tyndall family safe. In addition to vehicle searches and acts of bravery, Airman Chang was recognized for stabilizing a child in shock until the MEDVAC arrived. Outside of the office, Airman Chang raised $2,000 for charity at community events, according to his below the zone award package. In addition, he is working on his Community College of the Air Force degree in Criminal Justice and maintains a 3.7 GPA. Airman 1st Class Graham Craft Assisting multi-million dollar aircraft land and take off safely is a typical day for Airman Craft. The Anderson, S.C. native is an air traffic controller. "My favorite part of the job is controlling aircraft in the sky to enable them to arrive to their destination safely and expeditiously," he said. Airman Craft joined the Air Force a little less than two years ago and was humbled to learn of his BTZ promotion. "I was very grateful to have a supervisor and other NCOs in my facility that took an interest in my career and helped me achieve BTZ," Airman Craft said. Airman 1st Class Cameron M. Culliver Enlisting in 2011, Airman Culliver serves as a community police officer with the 325th Security Forces Squadron. "I love every part of the job. From checking ID's to patrolling the base. I love the fact that we are the first impression to Tyndall AFB," said the McKees Rocks, Pa. native. "Others know that we are here to take care of them, but we perform our duties in a firm, courteous and impartial manner. I love what I do day in and day out. Our career field comes second to none." Learning of his BTZ selection brought two words to Airman Culliver's mind: thank you. "I was really thankful," he said. "It's not about awards or things of that nature, but with that being said, a small 'thank you' goes a long way. It makes you feel appreciated and makes you want to work even harder. This is a huge honor and I am forever grateful." Airman 1st Class Trevor Drake Airman Drake, Integrated Avionics technician, learned of his promotion in an unusual way. "I was in the middle of [Foreign Object Debris] walk when my expediter pulled me over and told me to go see a flight chief. No one gave me any information on what was going on, but when I saw the commander, I knew that it was about BTZ," he said. The Washington native enjoys his job at the 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "I thoroughly enjoy troubleshooting the aircraft and being able to come up with solutions to complicated problems," he said. Airman 1st Class Lizandra Montero Airman Montero, 337th Air Control Squadron pilot simulator, spends her days teaching future air battle managers. "My favorite part of my job is knowing I partake in teaching future ABM officers [and] my possible future leadership their job," Airman Montero said. Airman Montero has been in the Air Force for only a year and a half. Still the Orlando, Fla. native was shocked to learn of her BTZ promotion. "My first initial reaction was shock, the competition was rough and when my commander announced I won, I was in disbelief. I felt honored and very accomplished to be able to bring a stripe back to my squadron," she said. Airman 1st Class Ricardo Orozco-Chang Airman Orozco-Chang's handling of weapons on the world's most advanced aircraft earned him the BTZ promotion. The F-22 Raptor Weapons Load Crew member completed 33 weapons standardization evaluations to achieve 100 percent pass rate, according to Airman Orozco-Chang's award nomination package. Outside of his job, Airman Orozco-Chang volunteers with Airman Against Drunk Driving. Airman 1st Class Daniel Yates Airman Yates, an Euless, Texas native, serves his nation as an Aerospace and Operational Physiology Maintenance technician. Teaching pilots and air crew skills that could save their lives later on in their careers is the best part of his job, Airman Yates said. His selection to Senior Airman will be one of many highlights this month. "I was excited and so was my wife, especially since our first born is due later on next month," Airman Yates said.