STEP promotion

From left, Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael J. Warner, 100th Air Refueling Wing command chief, Col. Eden J. Murrie, 100th ARW commander, and Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop, 3rd Air Force commander, tack master sergeant stripes on Tech. Sgt. Charles H. Pope, center, during a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion ceremony Monday. Also assisting are Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, 3rd Air Force command chief, Col. Michael Saville,100th Maintenance Group commander, and Lt. Col. Michael Braucher, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. (U.S Air Force photo by Airman Brad Smith)

A STEP in the right direction

Published Sept. 11, 2007
By Airman Brad Smith
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Tech. Sgt. Charles H. Pope, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight line expediter, took another step on his chosen career path Monday when he was promoted to the rank of master sergeant.

But, Sergeant Pope didn't get his new stripe the traditional way - he was promoted under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

The STEP promotion system is an immediate promotion rank for an enlisted member and provides commanders an opportunity to recognize consistently strong performers.

Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop, 3rd Air Force commander, presented Sergeant Pope with the honor. Chief Master Sgt. Martin Klukas, 3rd Air Force command chief, Col. Eden J. Murrie, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael J. Warner, 100th ARW command chief, Col. Michael Saville,100th Maintenance Group commander, and Lt. Col. Michael Braucher, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander were also present.