HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Staff Sgt. Zachary R. Smith, assigned to the 75th Medical Group, was promoted to technical sergeant Nov. 24 through the Air Force’s Stripes for Exceptional Performers program, in a surprise announcement at the group’s Military Treatment Facility.
Col. Dan Cornelius, 75th Air Base Wing commander, presented the promotion in front of Smith’s friends and colleagues.
The STEP program allows commanders to recognize Airmen who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership potential outside the traditional promotion cycle.
Smith said the announcement left him stunned, describing the moment as “surreal” when leadership walked in.
He said the promotion represents the completion of a long-standing goal and he credited his nearly decade-long career to the support of fellow NCOs, officers and Airmen.
“Everything I’ve done in my career has been because I’ve been surrounded by good people,” Smith said.
“Getting this is validating that I’m doing something right,” he continued. “I’ve had awesome people around me pushing me beyond my limits and supporting me in the next phase of my career.”
His supervisor, 1st Lt. Robert Cullison, TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration Flight commander, said Smith’s reliability, technical expertise and leadership made him a clear standout for STEP consideration.
“Sergeant Smith has consistently performed well above his grade,” Cullison said. “This promotion formalizes the authority he’s already been exercising and sets a powerful example for the unit that excellence is recognized and rewarded.”
Cullison added that Smith embodies the Air Force Core Values and has consistently delivered results that improve the medical group while developing the Airmen he leads.
Originally from San Bernardino, California, Smith has served nine years in the Air Force, with assignments at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before arriving at Hill five years ago.
He said the new rank reminds him to have confidence as both a leader and technician and he plans to focus even more energy on helping the Airmen he works with achieve their own goals and promotions.