Barksdale Airman STEP promoted

Staff Sgt. Sarah Merchant, left, Air Force Global Strike Command command chief executive assistant, and Chief Master Sgt. Gary Hunkins, right, 2nd Mission Support Group superintendent, pin new stripes on Staff Sgt. Merchant on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 17, 2014. The newly promoted technical sgt. was the only Airmen across 8th Air Force to be promoted through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program within this cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Barksdale Airman STEP promoted

Tech. Sgt. Brett Merchant, 2nd Communications Squadron client service center supervisor, works in his office on Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Jan. 6, 2015. Tech. Sgt. Merchant was promoted through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program which recognizes Airmen who are role models to their peers, demonstrate leadership, comprehension and above-and-beyond dedication to the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Barksdale Airman STEP promoted

Published Jan. 11, 2015
By Senior Airman Kristin High
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- On Dec. 17, 2014, Staff Sgt. Brett Merchant, 2nd Communications Squadron client service center supervisor, walked into work like it was any other day.

After distinguished visitors left and the office prepared for the weekend, Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Mazzone, 2nd Bomb Wing command chief, snuck into the room to surprise Merchant with technical sergeant stripes.

Merchant was promoted through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"I was at a loss for words," said Merchant. "It was very emotional, and I felt proud to receive this promotion. I never thought it would happen to me, and it felt surreal and overwhelming."

Merchant has been in the Air Force for nine years and has worked in various sections of the communications squadron.

Before heading back to the client service center, Merchant worked in the executive communications flight supporting Air Force Global Strike Command. His leadership wrote a package to support just a three-month time period of the work he was doing.

"Sergeant Merchant's work ethic is unmatched," said Senior Master Sgt. William Eddy, 2nd CS flight operations superintendent. "He always puts the mission first and continued improving and helping younger Airmen in our shop when he came back to our section."

"Merchant is a very humble man," said Eddy. "He doesn't go out looking for recognition, he does the work and recognition follows."

Merchant was the only Airman throughout 8th Air Force to receive a stripe through this STEP cycle.

"I don't believe I would have ever been STEP promoted without the help of my leadership," said Merchant. "They took the time to write the package, which showed me how much they believed in me."
With all of his hard work and dedication, it's easy to see why Merchant was hand-picked.

"It is easy for an Airman to be successful in the USAF," said Merchant. "It doesn't matter how or at what age you entered the Air Force, only that you follow the Core Values. You need to keep in mind you are going to be a person of integrity, put service before yourself and everything you do will be done to the best of your ability with excellence."