22nd MXS Airman STEP promoted to technical sergeant

Tech. Sgt. Carly Smith, 22nd Maintenance Squadron munitions operations NCO in charge, watches as her children tack on technical sergeant stripes, Dec. 23, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Smith was promoted from the rank of staff sergeant to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performance program, which commanders use to promote deserving Airmen one rank without testing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua)

22nd MXS Airman STEP promoted to technical sergeant

Tech. Sgt. Carly Smith, 22nd Maintenance Squadron munitions operations NCO in charge, and her family listen to Col. Phil Heseltine, 22nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, explain her selection for promotion to technical sergeant, Dec. 23, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Smith was the only Airman at McConnell AFB selected for promotion through the Stripes for Exceptional Program, which authorizes a select few Airmen in each major command to be promoted without testing one rank to either staff or technical at the recommendation of their commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua)

22nd MXS Airman STEP promoted to technical sergeant

Published Dec. 30, 2015
By Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- A 22nd Maintenance Squadron Airman was promoted from the rank of staff sergeant to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, Dec. 23, here.

Tech. Sgt. Carly Smith, 22nd MXS munitions operations NCO in charge, was surprised by her family and members of her unit during the middle of her shift.

"This was a wonderful gift," said Smith. "I want to thank my family for always supporting me, my supervision that thought I'm worthy of this, and all of the leaders I've had over the years."

Smith's leadership saw the ability and leadership she was capable of as a staff sergeant and knew she was more than deserving of being a technical sergeant.

"I only met Carly five months ago, and she has consistently performed above her rank," said Maj. Patrick Cain, 22nd MXS commander. "I'm happy that we're promoting her to that pay grade."

A STEP promotion is used to recognize Airmen who distinguish themselves through hard work and exceptional performance. A very small number of these promotions are authorized for each major command, and once selected, the promotee is authorized to immediately begin earning the new pay grade and wear the new rank.