Fairchild Airman earns STEP promotion to technical sergeant

Staff Sgt. Vikas Kumar, the 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron aerospace and operational physiology NCO in charge, receives the Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to technical sergeant from Col. Brian Newberry, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Hansen, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Dec. 18, 2013. The STEP promotion program offers commanders a limited opportunity to immediately promote enlisted members to staff sergeant, technical sergeant or master sergeant. STEP promotions recognize Airmen who are exceptional performers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman/Released)

Fairchild Airman earns STEP promotion to technical sergeant

Published Jan. 7, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Tech. Sgt. Vikas Kumar received his technical sergeant stripe under the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program during a 92nd Medical Group commander's call at the base theater Dec. 18, 2013.

Kumar serves as the 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Aerospace & Operational Physiology Flight NCO in charge. He was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and grew up in India. He moved to the U.S. in 1998 and joined the Air Force in 2004.

"I was surprised and shocked beyond my imagination," Kumar said of his promotion announcement. "I have never been surprised like that in my life. It was a very happy ending to the year for the Kumars after some turbulent times."

The STEP program is designed for rare situations that, in the commander's judgment, clearly merit promotion.

"He is a critical part of our team who takes on senior NCO and officer-level work," said Lt. Col. Matthew Albright, 92nd AMDS Aerospace & Operational Physiology flight commander. "He is a leader amongst his peers and will be a future senior NCO leader in our career field, and the Air Force. He is actively involved at all levels of the wing, group and squadron, to include having Air Force-level impact. I cannot think of a finer NCO to have received this STEP promotion."

Kumar's promotion is a tribute to his service and is the latest in a long line of awards and decorations. He was named 2012 Air Mobility Command Aerospace Physiology NCO of the Year.

"The new rank brings with it additional responsibilities, and a lot of expectations from family as well as work," Kumar said. "I will work hard to ensure that I meet these responsibilities and expectations."