Expeditionary Center NCO earns a career STEP up

Published Feb. 13, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs

FORT DIX, N.J. -- Newly-promoted Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Tourville was listening in on the latest update Feb. 10 from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley just like the other 200 Expeditionary Center Airmen in attendance.

What he didn't realize when he got there was he would eventually be a part of the festivities. Sergeant Tourville, from the 421st Combat Training Squadron, was promoted to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers, or STEP, Program by Maj. Gen. Kip Self, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander.

"This was truly amazing," Sergeant Tourville said. "Words cannot describe what I was feeling on stage during this. It was hard to believe that the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Major General Self were tacking new stripes on my sleeves. It really was a humbling experience."

In keeping with the requirements that a STEP promotion covers an Airman's career accomplishments, Sergeant Tourville was no exception.

He currently works as the assistance NCO in charge for the Advanced Contingency Skills Training Course and is a security forces craftsman. He's been a leader in training by helping build and train new combat skills courses at the Expeditionary Center. His latest effort includes working as a curriculum and syllabus developer on the new Combat Airman Skills Training Course due to start later this year.

During his career he's earned awards such as "outstanding performer" and "professional performer" at both wing and major command levels. He's also earned Security Forces Flight NCO of the Year, and while in Air Force Space Command, led his unit's efforts for "outstanding" ratings in nuclear surety and combat capability inspections. Sergeant Tourville is also an active community and base volunteer participating in Habitat for Humanity, local school outreach programs and unit events.

Sergeant Tourville said he'd like to thank Lt. Col. Mitchell Monroe, 421st CTS commander, Lt. Col. Matt Lacy, 421st CTS director of operations, and Senior Master Sgt. Scott Pepper, 421st CTS superintendent, for "having faith and trust in me and putting me in the position I'm in now (assistant NCO in charge of ACST)."

"I would also like to thank all the members in the 421st who put me to the test each and every day," Sergeant Tourville said. "Without all of them, this promotion would not have been possible."

Chief Master Sgt. Fitzgerald Hentz, USAF EC command chief, said Sergeant Tourville earned the promotion based on his record of outstanding performance and competence to serve in the next higher grade.

"The Expeditionary Center is an organization of outstanding performers," Chief Hentz said. "However, Sergeant Tourville stood out a little above the rest and deserved this promotion. It's because of Airmen like him that the Expeditionary Center is the top-notch organization that it is. I congratulate Sergeant Tourville for his outstanding contributions to our Air Force and our organization."