JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Niquoll Flacksenburg, 1st Fighter Wing command section administrator, was driving through West Virginia during Christmas leave when she received an unexpected call from her boss's boss.
U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Huyck, 1st FW Commander, explained to Flacksenburg there was a problem with some paperwork and her digital signature on her email. Flacksenburg, surprised by the phone call, had no idea what he was talking about.
"'It has to do with your rank,' he said," said Flacksenburg. "Then he said, 'It should read technical sergeant not staff sergeant.' I lost it. I was so shocked."
That was the day Flacksenburg received a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion to technical sergeant.
A STEP promotion is one of the avenues for promotion through the ranks of staff sergeant to master sergeant. It offers commanders an opportunity to immediately promote enlisted Airmen who exhibit exceptional potential above their current rank.
Because of Flacksenburg's stead-fast work ethic, her supervisor and leadership saw her potential to be promoted to the next rank.
"There's a quote that says 'success is where preparation meets opportunity,' and I believe Flacksenburg's success is a direct reflection of all the preparation she has done for herself and her career," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bryan Daniel, 1st FW command section superintendent.
On average there are less than 200 slots for STEP promotion Air Force wide, and according to Air Force Instruction 36-2502, Airman Promotion/Demotion Programs, the STEP program supplements the regular Weighted Airman Promotion System and accommodates unique circumstances for Airmen who clearly warrant promotion in the eyes of commanders.
"It's a huge, huge honor. I've been in for a long time and I've seen a lot of people get STEP promoted and they were the best," said Flacksenburg. "I can't believe I got it. I've been smiling the whole time. It was the best Christmas gift."
As her supervisor, Daniels knows exactly how she received her STEP promotion. He attributes her success to her work ethic and her ability to be well-rounded.
"In the short time that she's been here, she's made a significant impression at the 1st FW," said Daniels. "Her sustained superior performance throughout her career in addition to her impact at the wing culminated in her STEP promotion."
Flacksenburg accomplishment has given her the opportunity to encourage Airmen to continue to pursue their objectives. Although Flacksenburg faced challenges, she didn't let that dampen her spirits or stop her from chasing her goals, such as becoming a chief master sergeant before she retires.
"For Airmen who may be discouraged about making senior airman below the zone or not making staff sergeant testing on the first try, I encourage them to communicate their goals to their supervisors and leadership," said Flacksenburg. "Below the zone may be one way to advance in your career, but it isn't the only way."
Her final piece of advice was simply not to quit.
"Don't ever give up," she said. "Don't ever forget why you joined. The importance of working hard is to always remember and reach your final outcome or goal."