Command Post NCO gets STEP promotion

  • Published
  • By Jim Fisher
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Tech Sgt. Hermarys Smith was briefly confused Feb. 10 when 377th Wing Vice Commander Col. Lance Kawane and Command Chief Master Sgt. Brion Blais showed up in her duty section at the wing command post to discuss the readiness program she manages.

"Colonel Kawane told me that Air Force Global Strike Command had come down with new guidance that only tech and master sergeants could run a readiness program," she said. "Then Chief Blais interjected that it shouldn't be an issue and surprised me with a STEP promotion to tech sergeant."

The new technical sergeant was overcome with joy and disbelief as her colleagues joined the wing leaders in congratulating her.

"I cried out for joy and couldn't stop asking if it was real," she said. "I didn't think a handshake would do Colonel Kawane and Chief Blais justice, so everyone got a hug."

The promotion under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program made Smith an instant E-7. Command Post and wing leadership nominated Smith due to a series of outstanding achievements, including prior Maintenance Support Professional and Pacific Air Force Materiel Management Airman of the Year awards (2009 and 2011).

More recently, Smith received a 2015 Nuclear Surety Staff Assistance Visit Superior Performer award. She also led the Command Post in a 2014 Nuclear Surety Inspection Outstanding Team Award and salvaged 350 DRMO assets to recoup more than $1.56 million.

Smith said she is looking forward to a broader view of operations with the increase in responsibility and will continue to focus on following her mentors to become a good leader - taking care of people to ensure mission accomplishment.

"For me, a good NCO looks after their people, because if your team is not doing well -- emotionally, mentally, spiritually, etc.-- then nothing is really going to work well. You take care of your people and in turn you hope they take care of you by accomplishing the mission and getting things done," Smith said.

She said she was grateful to her leadership for the nomination, and the promotion has left her stunned.

"To actually be selected for STEP promotion is something I never thought would happen and I am still in disbelief," Smith said.