Sergeants get ‘stripes’ for New Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Three sergeants received a New Year's present in the form of Stripes for Exceptional Performance, or STEP promotions, from Col. James Browne, 366th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald McCarthy, 366th FW command chief, while a fourth had to wait until Jan. 8 for their promotion.

Technical sergeant promotions
James W. Curry from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, effective Dec. 31 and Christy K. Funk from the 366th FW, effective Jan. 8

Master sergeant promotions
William T. Frost from the 366th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, and Eric E. Burke from the 366th AMXS, both effective Dec. 31

"I found out on Jan. 31, which was a nice surprise for the New Year," said Sergeant Curry. "I was called in about an old flightline mishap to close it out for the end of the year."

Sergeant Burke's came soon after.

"Colonel Browne walked in the area and told us Sergeant Curry had gotten STEP promoted and to congratulate him," Sergeant Burke said. "After we gave him a round of applause, Colonel Browne talked about the holiday and to be safe. As he was walking around, he pulled me out of the crowd and gave me the best New Year's present ever. I didn't even know my supervision put me in for this."

Sergeant Burke wasn't the only one who didn't know a package had been submitted.

"I was working on the crash recovery trailer when Colonel Browne showed up," said Sergeant Frost. "It was a total surprise. My supervisors and I had joked about submitting a package, but had heard nothing else about it."

Sergeant Funk's came soon after on Jan. 8.

"I was promoted during Colonel Browne's calendar meeting," said Sergeant Funk. "I was very surprised and still am!"

The STEP program, established in 1982, is designed to allow commanders to promote Airmen who meet unique or exceptional circumstances.

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