Hard work recognized with BTZ promotions

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Four Tyndall Airmen 1st Class received below-the-zone promotion notifications March 27.

"The BTZ announcements are an excellent reflection on these young Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Raymond DeVite, 325th Fighter Wing command chief. "This is a direct result of their hard work, their supervisor's recognition, and this should be a source of pride as they continue their future with the Air Force."

The BTZ program allows those in the rank of Airmen 1st Class to be promoted to Senior Airman six months before they normally would.

The four recipients were:

Airmen 1st Class Anthony Shea - 325th Contracting Squadron
Airman Shea, 325th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, was called in the commander's office without a clue as to why.

He quickly learned that with less than two years in the Air Force he would be promoted to Senior Airman.

"I was excited," Airman Shea said.

In addition to handling contracts for large tenant units on Tyndall such as the Air Force Research Laboratory, Airman Shea serves as the director of Airmen Against Drunk Driving.

"His record speaks for itself," said Lt. Col. Antonio Gonzales, 325th Contracting Squadron commander. "He has exemplified leadership and he is an example to others."

Airman 1st Class Lisette Wright - 325th Medical Operations Squadron
Airman Wright, Family Health medical technician, believed she was briefing leadership about an upcoming distinguished visitor to the medical group. However, the next slide revealed her BTZ promotion.

"They tricked me," Airman Wright, a native of the Philippines, exclaimed.

Although only in the Air Force for a year and half, Airman Wright said her success is owed to the mentoring from her coworkers.

"We are a good team," she said.

Airman Wright and the team are some of the first people patients see when they visit the doctor

"We screen patients for potential health risks, find out why they are here and brief the doctor" Airman Wright said.

Airman 1st Class Jeremy Kurtz - 325th Communications Squadron
"I was very surprised and honored," said Airman Kurtz, radio frequency technician, who learned of his promotion during a "meeting."

The Thurmont, Md. native loves the challenges and the people that come with his job.

"Fixing radios is like a puzzle so we can get mission ready," Airman Kurtz said.

Airman Kurtz has served in the Air Force for one year and nine months

Airman 1st Class Autumn Compton - 325th Communications Squadron
With Airman Kurtz in the "meeting" was Airman Compton, radio frequency technician.

"It was overwhelming," Airman Compton said, wiping away tears. "I can't even express."

Airman Compton was hoping to hear her wingman, Airman Kurtz, name called, but was shocked when her name called as well, she said.

The Atlanta, Ga. native is known as a team builder around the squadron and is still receiving praise for the organizing the morale-boosting burger burn.

"Thank you to all my supervisors who have set me up for success," Airman Compton said.