Three NCOs STEP to next level

  • 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 an early holiday surprise Monday morning in the form of hand-delivered promotions from Brig. Gen. Tod Wolters, 325th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Van Vleet, 325th FW command chief master sergeant.

The newly promoted sergeants are: Tech. Sgt. Devin Wright, 325th Services Squadron unit deployment manager and NCO in charge of mortuary affairs; Master Sgt. Jamell Jenkins, 325th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of installation and physical security; and Tech. Sgt. Antenney Hemingway, 325th Air Control Squadron NCO in charge of supply.

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.

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, the selected assume the new rank immediately.

None of the sergeants promoted Monday had any foresight that they were about to be promoted.

"I knew something was up yesterday when my wife walked in after the general," Sergeant Wright said. "She doesn't usually come to my office like that."

Sergeant Wright was nominated by Lt. Col. Michael Lamb, 325th SVS commander. His flawless enlisted performance reports, dedication, attention to detail and maturity led to his nomination.

In 2004, his skill and knowledge earned the services squadron the distinction as Best Services Readiness Program, Colonel Lamb said.

Maj. Paul Quigley, 325th SFS commander, nominated Sergeant Jenkins for his deployed and home-base leadership skills, leading nine junior NCOs responsible for physical and administrative security, and other accomplishments.

Sergeant Jenkins was told he was being recognized by General Wolters for his recent win of a major command level award.

"I had no idea I was about to get promoted," Sergeant Jenkins said. "I never thought this would happen to me. This accomplishment wasn't mine alone. I had outstanding troops, leadership and mentors that helped me along in my career."

Sergeant Hemingway was also caught off-guard when approached by General Wolters for his promotion.

"I couldn't believe it," he said. "I was totally surprised. The whole day after that was surreal. I woke up Dec.17 and I was a staff sergeant. I woke up this morning a technical sergeant. That was unbelievable."

Lt. Col. Theodore Davis, 325th ACS commander, nominated Sergeant Hemingway for winning the 2006 325th FW supply NCO of the Year award, winning the 2006 Maintenance Squadron Staff Professional of the Year award, managing a $25 million warehouse while deployed, and obtaining a 100 percent quality assurance pass rate for his programs.

All three sergeants are looking forward to the pay raise that comes with promotion.

"I just plan to save up with the extra money," Sergeant Jenkins said.

Sergeant Wright, a new father, said he plans to spend his pay increase on his baby daughter.

"The extra money will come in handy for newborn diapers. I also plan to get a few extra Christmas presents for my daughter and a little something extra for my wife," he said.

Sergeant Hemingway also said he plans to spread some holiday cheer with his new pay.

"I'll make sure my niece has an extra special third Christmas," he said.