RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Known for his attention to detail, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brayan Arroyo-Arias, 435th Security Forces Squadron administration and assessments section chief, was surprised when he was informed a discrepancy was found on one of his reports.
Col. Jayson Schmiedt, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing deputy commander, informed Arroyo-Arias that his job required a technical sergeant before sharing the news that he was selected for a Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) promotion, Dec. 9.
“To be honest, the promotion feels a little surreal right now,” said Arroyo-Arias, who joined the Air Force in 2018. “It hasn’t fully sunk in how significant this is for my career moving forward. I'm thankful for all the support I've received from my command teams and supervisors, and fellow teammates, both past and present. I've always tried to surround myself with motivated individuals who push me to grow, and I wouldn't be here without their guidance and encouragement.”
The first thing Arroyo-Arias, who is from Alajuela, Costa Rica, but grew up in New Providence, New Jersey, did as a technical sergeant was call his family.
“They’ve always been there for me, offering guidance and perspective,” he said. “I also reached out to some of my mentors who have had a significant impact on my career to thank them for everything they’ve instilled in me over the years.”
Arroyo-Arias arrived at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in November 2023. When he’s not at work, he coaches high school football and for the Air Force Child and Youth Services program in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, plays softball for the Ramstein Rams, and enjoys outdoor activities and painting.
“I really just focus on doing the best job I can every day,” said Arroyo-Arias. “I try to push myself to work at the next level and stay committed to my development and the development of those around me. I'm extremely grateful that my team recognized the work and effort I've been putting in, and I'm truly honored they considered me worthy of this opportunity. Their belief in me means a lot.”
One of his mentors is U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joshua Basinger, 18th SFS flight chief, who previously supervised him.
“His work ethic and leadership have been nothing but superior since I met him during our time at the 736th SFS at Andersen AFB, Guam,” said Basinger. “He was an excellent instructor and a true leader to his peers and fellow NCOs.”
“He always strove to be better, never turned down a challenge or an opportunity to gain personal or professional development,” he continued. “He was always there for the team, ready to pick up a task when we needed someone. He was operating at a technical sergeant level as a senior airman. I am truly not surprised he was STEP promoted, and I could not be prouder or more excited for what he does in the future.”
Arroyo-Arias plans to use the holidays to visit family he hasn’t seen in years to celebrate his promotion and reflect on the work that led to it.