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NCOs STEP up to a higher rank

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two Tyndall Air Force Base staff sergeants and one technical sergeant received a welcomed surprise recently that allowed them to 'STEP' up into a higher rank.

The sergeants were selected for their promotions under the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. The STEP program allows wing commanders to conduct on-the-spot promotions for exceptional Airmen.

Newly promoted are: Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gatlin, 325th Fighter Wing Command Chief Executive Assistant, Tech. Sgt. Michael Avery, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 4 F-15 Avionics Instructor, and Master Sgt. Patrick Bannister, 2nd Air Maintenance Unit flight chief.

Under the standard Weighted Airmen Promotion System, promotees are measured against all other eligible individuals and if selected, can wait up to 12 months before they officially wear the rank. With the STEP program, those selected assume the new rank immediately.

The sergeants were unaware they were about to be promoted.

"It was a big surprise; I was in shock and kind of still am," said Sergeant Gatlin. "I am honored to be STEP promoted. This only happens to a few people and I am thankful it happened to me."

Supervisors across Tyndall submitted many worthy nominees for consideration, but only a selected few were chosen.

"Sergeant Gatlin was a great nominee because he has sustained an outstanding performance throughout his career," said Chief Master Sgt. Goetz, 325th Fighter Wing Command Chief. "He's got a great work ethic and as hard as he works he was also able to obtain a master's degree."

STEP promotees were recognized in their nomination packages for their achievements.

Sergeant Bannister won many awards and has produced 5,445 instructor hours and 728 sorties according to his nomination package. He has also maintained a 100 percent Quality Assurance pass rate on 28 special inspections and is active in Tyndall's Youth Center programs, mentoring 25 children and volunteering as a soccer coach.

Sergeant Avery also has won many awards and is recognized in his nomination package as the top choice as Expediter and first pick for difficult impounds. He always steps up and has been an active volunteer in Tyndall's events.

Congratulations to Tyndall's newest promotees.