Two receive next stripe through STEP program

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A missile maintenance team chief and a tactical response force flight chief were promoted to their current rank through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program Jan. 31. Nathan Greene was awarded his E-6 rank followed by Kevin Akers being presented his master sergeant stripes.

In keeping true to one of the program's intents, that surprise is a major part of the program and nominees should not know they were considered for a STEP promotion, the presentations were made in a standing-room-only auditorium following an out briefing Monday.

Brig. Gen. (sel) Anthony Cotton was citing examples of excellence when he asked then Staff Sgt. Greene to come up to the front of the room. He congratulated the maintainer for being recognized by Air Force Global Strike Command evaluators as a professional performer, but told the crowd the slide was wrong.

"You want to know why it's wrong?" he asked, "Because it's Tech. Sgt. Greene, not Staff Sgt. Greene."

And with that, he was joined by Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, 341st MW command chief, to attach the new rank to the Airman's uniform.

"Wow," is all Sergeant Greene could muster, as he returned to his seat after receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

The briefing continued but not much before the second promotion would be presented. Relaying a story of a recent tour of a TRF facility undergoing some changes, he shared that the tour took place on a Sunday and that Tech. Sgt. Akers conducted it. It had been a few months since the commander had visited so there was a lot to go over.

"The pride that he shows is amazing," the commander said. "Exactly the pride I expect in each and every one of you. Let's bring the pride back."

"So Tech. Sgt. Akers, thank you very much for what you did," Brig. Gen. (sel) Cotton said. "But once again, I don't know why we say tech. sergeant when it's master sergeant."

The crowd rose to their feet in applause for a second time as the new senior NCO made his way forward to be presented his stripes.

Asked afterward how it made him feel, he said "I was absolutely in shock. . . the crowd was great - a true example of what Wing One is all about."