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Andersen Airmen selected for STEP promotion

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Stripes for Exceptional Performers recognizes Airmen who act as role models to those around them, demonstrate leadership, comprehension and above-and-beyond dedication to the mission; two Andersen Airmen fit this description.

Master Sgt. Ralph Oliver, 36th Judge Advocate Office noncommissioned officer in charge of military justice, and Tech. Sgt. Tyrone Yeargin, 736th Security Forces Operations NCO in charge, were recently promoted under the STEP program.

"They set it up as if I was going to give a brief on a past health and wellness inspection," Sergeant Oliver said. "I was wondering what was going on when the general began speaking about my performance and prior career experience. Then he pulled stripes from a folder and told me I deserved to be a master sergeant."

Similarly, the news of Sergeant Yeargin's promotion to technical sergeant came as a pleasant surprise.

Maintaining his shock-and-awe approach, Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander dropped in on Sergeant Yeargin for an impromptu visit to deliver the news of his achievement.

"I was in Army Airborne school when I received the news that I was getting STEP promoted," Sergeant Yeargin said. "General Doucette actually stopped by the school and presented me with my new stripes while on his way to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., for a temporary duty."

Though their coworkers, family and friends felt they were deserving of recognition, both men were caught off-guard by the good news and reminded of those who helped them throughout their careers.

"I was humbled by the entire experience," Sergeant Oliver said. "I had no clue I was going to be promoted, I was at a loss for words and excited at the same time. I know my promotion was a result of all the support I have received from my supervisors and the Airmen I have worked with."

Sergeant Yeargin echoed Sergeant Oliver's sentiments.

"I just couldn't believe it was happening to me," he said. "It definitely ranks as one of the best days of my life, and I can say I have had some great leadership in my career. I have taken different things from each of them, and I am very thankful to my current leadership for submitting me as a candidate for STEP promotion."

Sergeant Oliver and Sergeant Yeargin share one other thing in common, they both intend to join the ranks of the senior enlisted tier, and continue to embody the three Air Force core values: integrity, service and excellence.