Ramstein Airman STEPs up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  It's not every day people see the base commander and command chief walking through the halls asking holiday trivia questions and handing out gifts. What started out as spreading holiday cheer turned into a surprise one Airman will never forget.

After she answered a question correct, Staff Sgt. Lacy Owens, 86th Medical Group element b NCOIC, unwrapped her gift and pulled out technical sergeant stripes. She stood shocked for a minute as what happened began to sink in.

Owens was notified that she had been selected for the rank of Tech. Sgt. under the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"I was in complete shock at first," said Owens. "Then it really sunk in and I was excited yet nervous and happy. I never would have guessed that this would happen to me."

The STEP program supplements existing Airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander's judgment, clearly warrant promotion. It is intended to provide a means to promote Airmen for compelling, although perhaps not quantifiable reasons.

"It's not every day you get the opportunity to recognize an Airman on exceptional performance," said Chief Master Sgt. Frank H. Batten III, 86th Airlift Wing command chief. "An Airman does not accomplish an achievement of this magnitude alone; it warrants the help and collaboration of the person's unit and leadership. With more rank comes additional responsibilities and this Airman will be expected to be technically ready to accomplish the mission."

It's about the whole Airman concept, mentioned Owens. Being a good leader and using the Air Force core values on a daily basis are a good start, but it goes beyond that to stand out.

"I am speechless that I was chosen," said Owens. "I will have more responsibility, which makes me anxious, but I'm ready for it. What a great way to start the holidays!"