Holiday STEPrise at USAF EC
Newly promoted Tech. Sgt. Michael Tesch, explosive ordnance disposal craftsman with the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron, opens a gift box with new technical sergeant stripes from Maj. Gen. Kip Self, USAF EC commander. Sergeant Tesch received his new rank through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers, or STEP, program. During the commander's call, Sergeant Tesch was also presented with the Air Force Combat Action Badge. Cheering the promotion is Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm, USAF EC command chief. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol)