In July, I started getting together with my boss to put together a package for one of my airmen. BTZ (below the zone) is a big deal in the Air Force because it recognizes the hard work that a young airman has put forth even though they are so young in the military. If selected, the airmen (must be an E-3) are able to pin on E-4 six month early from when they would normally pin on. That being said, it is a very competitive award since only a few are selected.
A1C Beatty is my second "kid" as a supervisor. He came into the military later in life (at about 24) with enough college credits to put two stripes on his arm as soon as he graduated basic training. He went through a really rough time when he first came to our squadron, but showed determination and will that he was going to make things work and impressed everyone. He has demonstrated that his huge heart and never-give-up attitude can get him through anything the military has thrown at him for the past 2 years he's been in. And I couldn't be any more proud of him, proud of watching him grow each and every day.
Although I still struggle with writing broken English, the leadership in our squadron helped me tremendously when it came to his BTZ package (shout out to SMSgt Phillips and MSgt Leonard!). Of course when they were finished with it, there was no way that the board would deny that A1C Beatty was an outstanding person and Airman.
This past Tuesday, it was announced that he was one of the 9 people in our wing that were awarded a stripe.
A1C Beatty and I at the change of command this past June
I was beyond excited and couldn't help but get a bit teary eyed for him. A1C Beatty came from doubting his ability to adapt in the office to being the #2 in the office. Seriously? There was no way he could be overlooked.
Moments like these make me proud to be a supervisor, NCO in the military and tempt me to stay in....
