Security Forces member STEPs up with promotion

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gilmartin
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Staff Sgt. Carrieanne Richardson of the 66th Security Forces Squadron got the surprise of her Air Force career Jan. 31 when she was about to start her 12-hour shift in the United Arab Emirates - a phone call telling her she was selected for an immediate promotion to Technical Sergeant.

Sergeant Richardson, who is serving as the NCOIC of the mid-shift vehicle search area while deployed to the U.A.E., received a call from 66th Air Base Wing Commander Col. David Orr and a number of well-wishers last Sunday, informing her that Electronic Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds has selected her as his choice for the Stripes For Exceptional Performers, or STEP, program. Under the program, the general had one stripe for Technical Sergeant, choosing from among all the enlisted members in ESC, whether stationed at Hanscom or at geographically separated units across the
country.

"General Bowlds reiterated to me how tough the competition was for this STEP promotion, because we have an extremely dedicated and professional enlisted force across all of ESC," Colonel Orr said. Sergeant Richardson is a professional Airman with an exceptional record, and she really earned this."

Sergeant Richardson, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. who joined the Air Force in September 2000, was shocked when she heard the news of her promotion, according to Lt. Col. Chris Echols, commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron.

"We were able to coordinate our phone call with her commander ahead of time, and we caught her just as she was about to begin her shift," Colonel Echols said. "She was extremely surprised, and very moved by the news."

Sergeant Richardson's supervisor at Hanscom, Chief Master Sergeant Al Thompson, who was among those present when the good news was passed on to her, said the STEP promotion was well deserved.

"Sergeant Richardson is one of the most competent and reliable NCOs I've worked with in over 24 years," he said. "She has an incredible internal drive and her ability to lead and motivate is unmatched. Simply stated, she is one of our best and she is an exceptional performer."

The Sergeant is no stranger to earning honors at Hanscom. She was named ESC's NCO of the quarter for the first quarter of calendar year '09, and is currently the 66th Mission Support Group NCO of the Year, and a nominee for ABW NCO of the Year. She also earned Hanscom Top-Three organization's Sharp Shooter award in 2009.

At Hanscom, Sergeant Richardson has been filling a master sergeant position, serving as NCOIC of Standard Evaluation, overseeing a compliance-focused, critical position certification program, ensuring 100 percent accountability for more than $500,000 in resources. She managed the squadron's Self Inspection Program, and was 100 percent compliant on more than 2,000 checklists. She also played a major role in Hanscom's Base Readiness Exercises, developing six comprehensive scenarios that ensured her
squadron's readiness.

While deployed, she has been helping protect $12 billion in assets and more than 1,700 personnel.

This was the only STEP promotion General Bowlds can award this fiscal year. Other ESC nominees will be forwarded to Air Force Materiel Command for consideration by AFMC Commander Gen. Donald Hoffman, who will be able to award a total of three STEP promotions across the command.

"As a commander, nothing is more fulfilling than to recognize star performers with awards and promotions," Colonel Orr said. "Having the opportunity for the Air Base Wing senior enlisted leaders to join me in giving the STEP promotion news to Sergeant Richardson made the event so much more special. You could feel her elated emotions all the way from the U.A.E. in giving the news. Sergeant Richardson personifies 'Excellence In all We Do' and she will make positive contributions to the Air Force mission for years to come."