'Elf' surprises NCOs at 33rd Fighter Wing ceremony

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Nomads knew something was about to happen when an Airman wearing an elf suit over his camouflage uniform interrupted the 33rd Fighter Wing commander during a promotion ceremony Dec. 31 with an important message in a box wrapped in Christmas paper. 

The gift bore the names of quality assurance inspectors Tech. Sgt. Michael Camp and Staff Sgt. Jeremy Greene and the unexpected presents were stripes reflecting the next rank for each, indicating a promotion was in order under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. 

"It took a moment for me to even stand up, and took a while for me to even travel up to the stage because of the overwhelming support I received from the other members of the wing," said Sergeant Camp about his immediate reaction to his name being called. 

Sergeant Greene said he was shocked and it took a while for it to "sink in." 

"They were grinning from ear to ear when they looked back at me," said Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Luke, 33rd Maintenance Group QA superintendant, who had to keep the secret from the two until the ceremony was held. "Both are highly deserving (of STEP). Sergeant Camp is a prior flight chief, ahead of his time. Sergeant Greene's translation of requirements is asked for daily (on the flight line)." 

Earning perfect "firewall five" ratings on their Enlisted Performance Reports, working at a level above their current rank, demonstrating expertise to supervisors and acknowledgement of being a subject matter expert to peers were traits Sergeant Luke said made the NCOs ideal candidates for the annual opportunity of STEP promotion. 

Their primary duty is to inspect maintenance activities throughout the 33rd MXG as directed by leadership and outlined in Air Force instruction. Results of their work vector the focus of the mission which is why QA hand picks the Airmen who work in their shop.
 
"I like knowing that I can have a direct effect on the safety and well being of our aircraft and maintainers, whether it's spreading Air Force guidance or preventing potential safety mishaps," said Sergeant Greene. 

"I enjoy being able to step out of the maintenance picture and analyze it," said Sergeant Camp. "I am able to inspect several aspects of the wing's mission, and get to interact with a lot of people." 

While the wing is in the process of drawing down this year, the NCOs look forward to continued success at future locations. Sergeant Camp said he hopes the added stripe will be a springboard for a remote-based assignment while Sergeant Greene will focus on furthering his education.

"This is a culmination of the work I've done for the Air Force, and it feels very good to know that my supervisors and commanders feel that I was ready for an immediate promotion based on my work ethics," said Sergeant Camp. "Professionally, this promotion sets the stage for my future in the Air Force. I plan on living up to the standards set, and will begin my new path towards senior master sergeant."