D-M Airman receives early gift before the holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Drzazgowski
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE Ariz. --  What seemed to be a normal visit from base leadership to the Civil Engineer Squadron's Emergency Management building, quickly unveiled itself to be a career-changing day for a young staff sergeant.

The 355th Fighter Wing commander and command chief stopped by under the cover of discussing the success of a recent exercise.

"I was under the impression that everyone was down here doing a walkthrough of the CES and discussing the exercise we just went through," said Tech. Sgt. Lisa Brow, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of the Readiness and Emergency Management flight's training section. "It wasn't anything that seemed unusual."

The true reason for the visit of Col. James Meger, 355th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Ryan Peterson, 355th FW command chief, to the unit was quickly revealed.

Brow was promoted from the rank of staff sergeant to technical sergeant via Stripes for Exceptional Performers.

STEP promotions are an alternate, but rare avenue rewarded to outstanding performers.

"When they actually made the announcement (for the promotion), I ended up crying like a big baby," Brow said. "I couldn't control it!"

Master Sgt. Ryan Taylor, 355th CES Emergency Management flight superintendent, was pleased with the promotion of his Airman.

"I think the Air Force got this one right," Taylor said. "No joke, she is an excellent performer above the calling of her rank."

Brow's excellent performance was not only taken into consideration by her direct supervisor, but by base leadership as well.

"Tech. Sgt. Brow showed everything we look for in a STEP promotion recipient: incredible leadership, technical expertise, mission focused education, and (she is) always looking out for her Airmen," the command chief said.

Brow attributes her consistent drive to excel in her career to a strong upbringing during her childhood.

"I think it really has a lot to do with the way I was raised," Brow said. "My dad spent 25 years in the Marines and he retired as a master gunnery sergeant, which is equal to a chief in the Air Force. I definitely pride myself on how my dad taught me and that you don't always have to love your job to be good at it."

The newly promoted technical sergeant knows that a positive attitude, especially in an NCO position, is contagious to young Airmen.

"To be excited about your job is definitely where it's at," Brow said. "I think what we need to do as NCOs is bring that mentality to the Airmen and just make sure they have fun while doing their job. I love my job and I have fun doing it every day. So it's easy to come to work and get the job done."