Gen. Stephen Lorenz (left), Air Education and Training Command commander, promotes Staff Sgt. Matt Slaydon to technical sergeant through the Stripes To Exceptional Performers, or STEP, program Dec. 19 at AETC Headquarters. Sergeant Slaydon's wife, Annette, helps the general tack on the stripe. General Lorenz conducted the on-the-spot promotion on behalf of Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, which is Sergeant Slaydon's home unit. He has been in San Antonio for more than a year receiving medical care for wounds he suffered Oct. 24, 2007, in Iraq when a bomb exploded next to him during his duty as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist. Sergeant Slaydon received the promotion for the extensive Air Force ambassadorship and mentorship he has conducted during his year-long recovery. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Ms. Michelle Deleon)