Stepping up
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. – Staff Sgt. Nichole Heine, 509th Operations Group, Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, 509th Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant, pose for a photo after Staff Sgt. Heine is Stripes for Exceptional Performance promoted to technical sergeant Jan. 11. STEP promotions are reserved for staff sergeants to master sergeants, and presented selectees who have had approved recommendations by their commanders and meet the following criteria: candidates have performed outstanding in their duty section, are involved in off-duty activity in local communities, worked on self-improvement, and have been recognized for their job or non-duty performance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jessica Snow)