Stepping Up

  • Published
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, 509th Bomb Wing command chief and Tech. Sgt. Michael Shumate , 509th Civil Engineer Squadron after Sergeant Shumate received his Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to Master Sergeant Jan. 6. 

Sergeant Shumate's accomplishments included a display of tremendous heroism when he spotted two secondary improvised explosive devices during a search and evacuated 10 team members. He also received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and an Air Force Combat Action Medal from the Secretary of Defense for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in 2007 was awarded both the 8th Air Force and 509th Bomb Wing Lance P. Sijan Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership. 

STEP promotions are reserved for staff sergeants to master sergeants, and presented to 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.