MDG staff sergeant STEPs to technical

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A member of the 366th Medical Group was recently recognized as part of a time honored and prestigious program, being instantly promoted through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, more commonly known as a STEP promotion.

To his surprise, newly appointed Tech Sgt. Everlino Ramos, 366th Medical Support Squadron lab technician, received word of his promotion March 19.

"They just called me and told me I needed to clean up the lab in preparation for the base commander and command chief to stop by," said Ramos. "They didn't tell me if it was because someone was getting an award or in trouble, so it was a big surprise to me."

Ramos' supervisor submitted a glowing package to Air Combat Command to be reviewed at the Major Command level.

"It was my idea to submit him because the work he's done has been comparable to a technical sergeant's responsibilities and he is a sharp troop overall," said Master Sgt. Kambea Chan, 366th MDSS noncommissioned officer-in-charge of quality assurance. "He's been NCO of the year for the past three years, John Levitow award winner, works night shift and goes to school full-time on top of that."

Even after earning Air Force recognition reserved only for the best, Ramos remains humble and focused.

"It doesn't feel real," he said. "It still kind-of feels like I'm a staff sergeant, but I am humbled and it has encouraged me to keep on the same path."

In an excerpt from a recommendation letter written by his supervisor, the traits setting Ramos apart from his peers are clear. It states, "Staff Sgt. Ramos is an extraordinary laboratory technician and frankly one of the best NCOs I've ever worked with in my 19-year military career. He clearly demonstrates our core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do."

Ramos has a few words of wisdom and encouragement for new Airmen following in his footsteps.

"My advice to new Airmen would be to try your best in everything and shoot for 100 percent," he said. "Keep doing your best and maintain a positive attitude and you will get recognized in the end."

MDG leadership is familiar with the high caliber NCO's accomplishments.

"I think technical sergeant Ramos epitomizes our core values," said Lt. Col. Christopher Estridge, 366th MDSS commander. "His dedication and determination is evident in everything he does, and he is a vital asset to the Medical Support Squadron and the entire Medical Group. We're fortunate to have him on our team."