Medical Group NCO receives STEP promotion

Published March 17, 2010
By Joe B. Wiles
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Staff Sgt. Tiesha Benson was surprised when she was called out for not being in proper uniform during an end-of-day formation in the 71st Medical Group lobby March 17. Then she discovered she had earned a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to technical sergeant.

Lt. Col. Royce "Bull" Terry, 71st Medical Operations Squadron commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Griner, 71st MDG superintendent, then tacked on Sergeant Benson's new rank.

Sergeant Benson's STEP promotion came directly from Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, said Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, who attended the ceremony.

"Promotions are based on your potential to serve at the higher grade," Colonel Nowland told the medical group members in attendance. "It is clear we think you have the potential," he told Sergeant Benson.

A limited number of STEP promotion slots are released each year throughout the Air Force. They are used to promote outstanding individuals to staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant.

During the ceremony, members of the medical group arranged for a phone call from Sergeant Benson's mother so she could congratulate her daughter on the pay raise, effective immediately.

Sergeant Benson is assigned to the 71st Medical Support Squadron's radiology section.