Fast Burners

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FOCE BASE, Fla. --  Twelve Airmen received Senior Airman below-the-zone Dec. 12, allowing them to promote from airman 1st class to senior airman, six months in advance for their hard work.

"I am continually amazed at the caliber of Airmen that volunteer to serve our nation," said Chief Master Sgt. Raymond DeVite, 325th Fighter Wing command chief. "The selection process was a difficult one, because we have so many intelligent and hardworking Americans joining the Air Force. In the end, the most qualified stood out amongst their peers and were selected."

The recipients were:

Airman 1st Class Marc Green 325th Operation Support Squadron intelligence analyst

Earning BTZ is definitely one of my greatest achievements to date, he said.

"BTZ is just one of my numerous stepping stones towards my ultimate goals," Green said. "I want to commission as an officer as soon as possible."

Airman 1st Class Taylor Huckabay 325th Maintenance Squadron munitions storage crewmember

"I was extremely happy when I found out I had made it," said Huckabay. "I love leading people and the extra responsibility that comes with the next stripe. It's something I look forward to."

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Kearse 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant dedicated crew chief

According to his nomination package, Kearse supported Red Horse in an eight-mile ruck sack hike by manning road guard position and raised around $3,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Airman 1st Class Andrew Luna 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman, newly assigned to Eielson AFB, AK

Lunas' father was the one to deliver the good news to him, Luna said.

"I was very excited when I found out about my promotion," Luna said. "I have my shop and supervision to thank for all I have been able to accomplish thus far in my career. I don't think I would be near as successful without their support, and the support and love from my family and friends back home."

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Marshall 325th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter

Marshall is from Jacksonville, Ill., and is currently deployed.

"I feel very privileged and honored to receive this award, but also feel very lucky to be able to work under the management I do," said Marshall. "It is because of them that I have been so successful thus far."

Airman 1st Class Patrick Murphy 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant dedicated crew chief

According to his nomination package, Murphy has helped set up retirements and promotion ceremonies, volunteered for a five-kilometer race fundraiser, and raised around 2,000 dollars for a local elementary school.

Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Ogren 81st Range Control Squadron pilot simulator technician

Ogren helped create the new 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group in-flight guide for pilots, aircrew and temporary duty personnel that come here.

"After all the hard work, my supervisor and so many people helping me at the 81st RCS and the 53rd WEG, I still feel the need to study, and now know what the expression 'cloud nine' feels like," Ogren said."It's unreal but wonderful."

Ogren is also secretary of the Tyndall Toastmasters and volunteers with Guardian Ad Litem of Florida, a court that helps abused and neglected kids in the judicial court system for more than a year now.

Airman 1st Class Kristofor Pohl 325th Maintenance Squadron conventional maintenance crew chief

Pohl volunteered at the Panama City Animal Control and also at Airmen Against Drunk Driving.

"I was very excited and humbled," said Pohl.

Airman 1st Class Sarah Webb 325th Communications Squadron official mail technician

The Milford, Del., native received the good news at the 53rd WEG auditorium.

"I was surprised, I felt as though everything I've accomplished over the past two years had finally paid off," Webb said. "The reward is definitely worth every bit of effort that is put towards it."

The following Airmen also received BTZ but were not available to provide information.

Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Carlos 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Airman 1st Class Joshua Taylor 325th Maintenance Squadron

Airman 1st Class Fredrick Tini 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron