Two earn new stripes under STEP program

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two NCOs got an unexpected surprise these last two weeks as they were suddenly called upon by the 17th Training Wing Commander and the 17th TRW Command Chief, for promotion under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"The Stripes for Exceptional Performers program is a wing commander's opportunity to recognize and promote a truly outstanding Airman who may not have hit the mark in testing cycles, but without a doubt have demonstrated superb performance and leadership deserving of promotion," said Col. Thomas Geary, 17th TRW Commander. "This year I was able to promote two such Airmen, and it is an incredible experience for me to immediately recognize Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Lukas and Master Sgt. Brandon Welton. They are great NCOs who will keep leading Airmen to success and who will continue having a positive impact on our Air Force's future."

While at the base theater to support her co-workers' promotions at the monthly Stars and Stripes ceremony Dec. 1, Sergeant Sabrina Lukas, 17th Security Forces Squadron, was not anticipating to be singled out and called on stage to stand front and center for Colonel Geary and Chief Criswell. She was relieved and all smiles though as she realized she too was being promoted to technical sergeant under the STEP program

Sergeant Lukas has been in the Air Force for 10 years and a staff sergeant for the past six. During her time in service, Sergeant Lukas has won numerous quarterly and annual awards, has been a key player for various volunteer activities, while on deployment and in her current position as a flight sergeant. She believes in staying focused, determined and dedicated because, "you are the only person in charge of your career." She said she feels blessed to have been chosen for a STEP promotion.

"I think it's a humbling and honoring experience," she said.

Chief Master Sgt. Bertell Francois, 17th SFS Manager said that although he's only known Sergeant Lukas for three short months, she continues to excel and exceed expectations.

"She immediately impressed me with her superb leadership qualities and 'take charge' attitude," Chief Francois said. "As a staff sergeant, she was given the task of leading a security forces flight as their flight chief, normally a technical sergeant position. She quickly excelled and exceeded our expectations. She is the type of person STEP promotions are meant for."

The second recipient surprised with new stripes was Sergeant Brandon Welton, 17th Training Support Squadron, who was shocked to see the wing commander and command chief pay him a visit in his office with master sergeant stripes.

Sergeant Welton has been in the Air Force for 17 years and a technical sergeant for the past five. During his time in service, Sergeant Walton has received numerous quarterly and annual awards, provided thousands of hours volunteering both on and off base, and has been a key player to mission success at bases throughout the world.

"I could not be happier," Sergeant Welton said. "For me, today is a day that will not live in infamy."

According to his supervisor, Master Sgt. Wayne Thomas, 17th TRSS, Sergeant Welton exudes the "whole person" concept and was an NCO that Senior NCOs wished they had.

"His military bearing is above reproach," Sergeant Thomas said. "His physical fitness is a way of life which is contagious and encourages others to exceed standards. His work ethic is stellar and he puts his all into projects to obtain exemplary products and outcomes. His base and community involvement enhances esprit de corps and local relations."

Both Sergeant Lukas's and Sergeant Welton's date of rank begins the day they are presented with their new stripes.