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618th TACC member makes big STEP this holiday season

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The holidays came early for one 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center noncommissioned officer, who received a promotion via the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, Dec. 24.

Staff Sgt. Brian Hussey, a command and control craftsman assigned to the 618th TACC command and control directorate, was promoted to the rank of technical sergeant by Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson, 618th TACC vice commander, during a ceremony in front of friends and fellow unit members on the 618th TACC operations floor.

Sergeant Hussey, a New Jersey native, was unaware of the promotion until General Benson entered the area and asked him about his holiday plans and then announced to bystanders that the sergeant would be getting some new stripes.

"I kept thinking, 'is he really talking about me,'" said Sergeant Hussey. "When it finally set in, I was simply astounded."

The STEP program supplements existing Airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that clearly warrant promotion, according to Air Force regulations.

STEP also provides commanders an opportunity to recognize consistently strong performers for their contributions to the Air Force, by making a direct impact on that person's career.

"Technical Sergeant Hussey is a hard charger," said Senior Master Sgt. Larry Williams, 618th TACC superintendent. "His dedication and attitude earned him this stripe and it's great to see his accomplishments recognized under this program. I can't think of a more deserving person."

Sergeant Hussey was the sole 618th TACC member promoted by the STEP program in 2008. Once a rank is presented under the STEP program, it is effective immediately.

"This truly means a lot to me," said Sergeant Hussey once his new stripes were tacked on. "All of the hard work has paid off and there is still a lot of work to be done. My goal is just to keep doing things right."

Sergeant Hussey has been assigned to the 618th TACC for three years. Prior to his current assignment, he served with the 731st Air Mobility Squadron at Osan Air Base, Korea, and points out his deployment to Baghdad in 2004 as one of his most memorable Air Force experience, along with the STEP promotion.