Three Tyndall NCOs take giant step

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two Tyndall Air Force Base staff sergeants and one technical sergeant received "Stripes for Exceptional Performers" promotions today, which were personally delivered by 325th Fighter Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson and Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Van Vleet, 325th FW command chief master sergeant. 

The newly promoted sergeants are: Tech. Sgt. Nicol Martinez, 325th Medical Support Squadron diagnostic imaging craftsman, Tech. Sgt. Frances Wittenberg, Tyndall Airman Leadership School instructor, and Master Sgt. Devon Blackwell, 325th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst. 

The STEP program allows Air Force commanders to conduct on-the-spot promotions for exceptional Airmen. Under standard promotion conditions, Airmen compete against all eligible individuals in their rank and if selected, can wait up to a year before they officially wear the rank. If STEP promoted, Airmen assume the rank immediately upon selection. 

None of the sergeants knew they were to be promoted Wednesday. 

"I actually thought I was in trouble," said Sergeant Martinez. "I was supposed to be on leave today and got called in. We had our holiday party over the weekend so I thought maybe there was an incident." 

Sergeant Martinez was nominated for her promotion by 325th Medical Group Commander, Col. Gino Auteri. She was nominated for accomplishing feats such as being selected Super Supervisor and 325th Medical Support Squadron NCO of the year. Sergeant Martinez also completed her Bachelor's degree. 

Sergeant Wittenberg said she also had no idea about the promotion she received, and thought everyone was called to gather in the conference room to recognize a co-worker. 

"I was so ecstatic and excited about it, I was shaking," said Sergeant Wittenberg. "It is an extra holiday surprise, not just for me, but for my family as well." 

Sergeant Wittenberg was nominated for her promotion by 325th Force Support Squadron commander, Lt. Col. Michael Lamb. She was nominated for accomplishing feats such as being the 2008 Tyndall ALS Instructor of the Year and bringing on line the ALS Spirit Award. Sergeant Wittenberg is also the squadron's booster club vice president. 

Sergeant Blackwell was nominated by the 325th CPTS Commander, Maj. Alisa Ricks. He won the 325th CPTS NCO of the year three years in a row, the Headquarters Air Education and Training Command financial manager of the year for fiscal years 2007 and 2008, for being a meticulous accountant and many other achievements. 

"It was a great Christmas gift," said Sergeant Blackwell. "It's not just a reflection of myself, but of the people I work with."