Two NCOs earn STEP promotion

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Two Travis NCOs recently earned their Stripes for Exceptional Performance promotion.
STEP promotions supplement existing promotions programs and, “provide a means to promote Airman for compelling, although perhaps not quantifiable, reason,” according to AFI36-2502. 

Master Sgt. Eric Heaton, 60th Contracting Squadron team lead contracting officer, and Master Sgt. Paul Grotke, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron mobility readiness section NCO in charge, were STEP-promoted March 2. 

“You can’t really take all credit for yourself because it really is a team effort,” Sergeant Heaton said of his promotion. 

Sergeant Heaton was the 60th Air Mobility Wing’s NCO nominee for the Lance P. Sijan Air Force Leadership Award for 2005. He deployed to Iraq as a contingency contracting officer. His duties there included, purchasing uniforms, equipment, training and armor plating for the Iraqi forces. As a result of his time there, he earned a Bronze Star medal. 

“I showed up for work,” he joked when asked what he did to earn the STEP promotion. “I don’t like to talk highly about myself.” 

Sergeant Grotke helped lead his flight to “Excellent” ratings during several Air Mobility Command Inspection General inspections. He was also instrumental in the Maintenance Groups’ win of the Air Force Daedalion Maintenance Trophy for 2004. Sergeant Grotke was named the 660th AMXS NCO of the year. 

“As a supervisor I have over 40 troops, and each one person reacts differently in different situations,” Sergeant Grotke said. “By listening to the troops and understanding the mission I hopefully integrate all needs and maintain balance. It doesn’t always work, however, I will do everything possible with in my control to make [the mission] happen.” 

Sergeant Heaton agrees. 

“The best thing [about my job] is interacting with my coworkers and doing what I can to help get the mission done as effectively as possible,” he said. “I know when we deploy as contracting; our job stands out in a deployed environment. My job is ensuring that those junior ranking people and new cross-trainees are going to be able to think on their feet in a deployed environment.”