Returning Mildenhall NCO receives new stripes for exceptional performance

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  After a 120-day deployment to Southwest Asia, returning Staff Sgt. Alan Jackson was surprised to find new technical sergeant stripes waiting for him Jan. 13, moments after he reentered the United Kingdom. 

Col. Eden Murrie, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, handed the 12-year hydraulics craftsman his immediate promotion, awarded under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. Neither the bewildered Jackson nor many of his 100th Maintenance Squadron coworkers had any idea he had even been nominated. 

"I was really surprised," Sergeant Jackson said. "I wasn't expecting it at all. It's very humbling that I was even put in for it. I wish my family was here to celebrate with me, but the guys from the shop are here, which is good. This is a great welcome-home gift." 

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STEP promotees are evaluated on the whole-person concept under a number of criteria, including duty expertise, dedication to mission accomplishment, versatility, leadership, and adherence to standards. According to Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner, 100th ARW command chief, there are usually only about 300 stripes authorized Air Force wide each year. The promotions are effective immediately, and can be awarded to staff, technical, and master sergeants. 

"(Sergeant Jackson) is a great supervisor, and deserves this promotion," said Senior Airman Ross Drown, 100th MXS hydraulics journeyman, who has worked for Sergeant Jackson for almost a year. "He's proactive, hardworking, and takes good care of his Airmen." 

Sergeant Jackson and wife Hope have two children; Zion, 6, and Elisabeth, 3. His hometown is Indianopolis, Ind. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and grilling outside.