Crew chief surprised with ‘STEP’ promotion

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Aaron Hochman-Zimmerman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During an early morning commander’s call Feb. 9, a 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief was awarded his fifth stripe via the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

The 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was assembled as the entire unit was recognized for its work, and Staff Sgt. Jesse Roberts was called to the front of the room as it was announced that he had been submitted to 12th Air Force for a STEP promotion.

Colonel Garrett Harencak, 7th Bomb Wing commander, told the room it was disapproved, but gave Sergeant Roberts a wing coin.

As Sergeant Roberts walked back to his seat, 7th Bomb Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Paul Wheeler said to Colonel Harencak, “Hey, sir! You know you could promote him.”

Colonel Harencak presented Tech. Sgt. Roberts with his new stripe before a standing ovation.

“It’s a tremendous experience for me to be able to (have) an immediate impact on an Airman and on the future of the Air Force,” Colonel Harencak said. “It was a great honor to give Jesse his stripe. He is a tremendous Airman.”

The unassuming B-1 crew chief of Aircraft 5080 “West Texas Fury” was surprised to learn of his promotion.

“I’m glad people think that way,” Sergeant Roberts said. “It’s just my job. It’s what I do; I enjoy it.”

A STEP promotion is used to reward an outstanding, deserving Airman who works hard and performs superbly but has difficulty with promotion testing. It is not used as a below-the-zone promotion.

“There was no one who was going to compete with Jesse,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ronnie Allen, Sergeant Roberts’ supervisor. “I’ve never met a more deserving person for a STEP promotion. He’s dedicated; that’s it.”

“He’s what that whole program was designed for. He doesn’t go home. This is for guys who are killing themselves working for you,” said Lt. Col. Lee Taylor, 7th AMXS commander. “You have to force him away. He does extremely high quality work.”

Sergeant Roberts is in line to be the next maintenance representative to the 7th Bomb Wing Safety office, a two-year post, Colonel Taylor said. Sergeant Roberts will be responsible to speak for maintenance where safety issues are concerned.