NCOs honored with STEP promotions Published Oct. 1, 2010 By Col. Gina M. Grosso 87th Air Base Wing JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce our newest Air Force promotees: - Master Sgt. Jack Hartman, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron - Tech. Sgt. Lora N. Pogue, 87th Dental Squadron On Sept. 22, I presented master sergeant and technical sergeant stripes to them as part of the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. Through the STEP program, I am afforded the privilege of meritoriously promoting superior performers to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant. These individuals have met the eligibility requirements and, more importantly, demonstrated the performance and potential demanded of the next enlisted grade. This decision was extremely challenging given the superior quality and diversity of today's Airmen. Our Airmen go above and beyond the call of duty -- and they are led by great noncommissioned officers and senior noncommissioned officers who do the awesome task of successfully handling installation management at America's only tri-service joint base. In addition, they dedicate themselves to training, equipping and deploying our warfighters who willingly put their lives at risk while living lives of dignity and honor in service to this great nation. Although there are many NCOs who deserved STEP consideration, this year I only received two stripes. Each Airman should strive to rise above their peers, lead by example and follow in the steps of enlisted leaders like Hartman and Pogue. Hartman distinguished himself as NCO in charge of Logistics and as assistant chief of training (as of June 1) for the 87th CES. As a logistician, he enabled 100 percent accountability of a $1.4 million account and spearheaded critical hazardous material vehicle lease negotiations. He executed and managed cost center manager duties, supplies, equipment, communications and bench stock items accounts valued over $1.2 million. He developed methods to improve flight resource and budgeting processes while flawlessly managing six equipment unit type codes valued at $267,000. He managed the operations section, supervising a 24-hour shift for 36 firefighters assigned to two crash and structural fire stations and maintained 14 vehicles. Additionally, he is responsible for protecting 14,000 personnel and $1.3 billion of JB MDL assets. Pogue distinguished herself as the NCO in charge of education and training for the 87th Dental Squadron. She is a phenomenal NCO and was chosen as the 87th Medical Group NCO of the Year. She leads 36 Airmen, provides $1.2 million in care for patients and directly contributed to squadron's prestigious Air Mobility Command Medium-sized Dental Treatment Facility of the Year award. Further, her leadership was evident when she provided support for 579 Haiti evacuees by treating 70 patients. She led a $300,000 digital radiology installation project from cradle to grave and subsequently trained 49 staff members on how to utilize the new technology. She also serves as a unit fitness program manager where she oversees more than 256 PT sessions enabling a 100 percent pass rate for her squadron. Additionally, she has completed her Community College of the Air Force associates degree. Many congratulations to Hartman and Pogue and their families for the well-deserved promotion, and best wishes for a wonderful next chapter in your Air Force career.