16 Pope Airmen promoted below the zone Published Jan. 31, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Below the Zone is a military achievement honoring those Airmen who continue to excel in their profession, and are promoted to the rank of senior airman six months early. Pope selects these Airmen four times a year. There have been 16 recently selected from Pope. The individuals who assist in selecting these Airmen for BTZ know it is not easily obtained but takes a lot of hard work and discipline to achieve this status. "This is probably one of our most competitive promotions in the enlisted ranks," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Grimm, 43rd Airlift Wing Command Chief. "I say that because the Air Force promotes only 15 percent of its eligible E-3's to E-4's through the BTZ program, and unlike promotions to staff sergeant through master sergeant, it is a records only process. Chief Grimm must evaluate Airmen for the BTZ selection and knows just what to look for during the selection process. "The most important item I look at when evaluating a senior airman for the BTZ package is: Is this Airman the 'go to' Airman in his duty section?' Chief Grimm said. "This is reflected by what the supervisors say about their ability to get the job done and their leadership in their units. I can not say enough about being the best in your Air Force Specialty Code -- going above and beyond. The purpose of senior airman BTZ is to promote to that rank early because of how well that Airman can do his job." Chief Grimm listed some of the things he looks for during the selection process: -Airmen who deploy and earn a decoration; this says they were a "go to" Airman -Airmen who score high on their career development course examinations; this separates good Airmen from the truly outstanding Airmen -Airmen who are taking college classes -Airmen who are involved in their communities in programs such as Airmen Against Drunk Driving, base honor guard or Rising 6. -Airmen who earn awards such as Airman of the Quarter for their squadrons or groups The individuals who have been selected for BTZ from Pope are as follows: Airman 1st Class Cecilia Amuzu, 43rd Comptroller Squadron, joined the Air Force for education and travel purposes. She said her next goal is to earn her bachelor's degree and give her best to her family and community. She enjoys reading, sewing and traveling. "Airman Amuzu is an extremely dedicated Airman," said Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Larson, 43rd CPTS. "She balances taking three classes a semester, excelling in her career field and taking care of a 13-month-old little girl. Most people would have a hard time just taking three classes; she was definitely a perfect pick for BTZ." Airman 1st Class Andrew Bober, 43rd Mission Support Squadron, is a member of Pope's honor guard. Airman Bober joined the Air Force for a chance to travel around the world. He said his next goal is to get his Community College of the Air Force degree. He enjoys cooking, spending time with his wife and just having fun. "Airman Bober is an outstanding Airman who constantly maintains a second-to-none performance and a first-rate appearance level," said Senior Airman Terry Pennington, 43rd Aeromedical Dental Squadron. Airman 1st Class Steven Brumley, 43rd Communications Squadron, joined the Air Force to serve his country and for education. His next goal is to earn his bachelor's degree in architecture. He is currently deployed. He said his hobbies include running and gaming. "Airman Brumley is one of the most dependable and mature Airmen I've come across in 10 years of being in the military," said Tech. Sgt. Zackery Turbyfill, 43rd CS. "If I give him something to do, there is no doubt it's going to get done." Airman 1st Class Fredsteven Cervantes, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, joined the Air Force for a few reasons. He said the first reason was to answer his nation's call. Secondly, he wanted to further his education. His last reason was to join his family's military heritage as the fifth and final male to join the Armed Forces. Over the next four years, he wants to earn a degree as a radiologist in conjunction with a CCAF degree. His hobbies include volunteering time to Habitat for Humanity, cooking, salsa dancing, mixed martial arts and scuba diving. "Airman Cervantes has the ability to be shown how to accomplish a task the first time and then routinely perform it without supervision," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Paquette, 3rd APS. "His constant thirst for knowledge on the job sets him apart as an Airman." Airman 1st Class Silas Deal, 43rd Maintenance Squadron, joined the Air Force as a way to pay for his college education. Airman Deal wants to make staff sergeant the first time, he said. His hobbies include fishing, hunting and playing with his little girl. During his most recent deployment, Airman Deal was coined by the AMC commander, Gen. Arthur Lichte "Airman Deal shows a lot of dedication to the mission," said Staff Sgt. Jamie Vieu, 43rd MXS. "He has stood out ahead of his peers by volunteering and effectively learning his job." Airman 1st Class Antonio Ferguson, 43rd MXS, joined the Air Force as a way of getting a better lifestyle. He said his next goal is to receive Airman of the Year. His hobbies include listening to music, playing sports and spending time with his family. "Airman Ferguson was the obvious choice for BTZ because of his persistence in seeking out new challenges in self-improvement and squadron support," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Williams, 43rd MXS. "He not only eagerly sought out deployment opportunities, but also did an outstanding job once given that opportunity." Airman 1st Class Jordan Gant-Buchanan, 43rd MXS, joined the Air Force to start a career and gain experience in aircraft maintenance. He said his next goal is to get his bachelor's degree. He enjoys hunting and fishing. "Airman Gant-Buchanan has a great attitude and excels in his job as a C-130 crew chief," said Tech. Sgt. David Todd, 43rd MXS. "He is a hard charger and shows his eagerness to learn daily. He deployed with his unit and was a great asset to the unit and mission. He is very deserving of his recent BTZ promotion." Airman 1st Class David Heilman, 43rd Security Forces Squadron, joined the Air Force to get money for college and gain valuable experiences. His next goal is to pass Close Precision Engagement Course (AF Sniper School). His hobbies include baseball, football, hockey, lifting weights, playing XBox 360 and hanging out with friends. "Airman Heilman is a dedicated professional," said Master Sgt. Anthony Frazier, 43rd SFS. "Since being assigned to the 43d SFS, he has exceeded every challenge and is a benchmark performer as evidenced by his recent selection to the Air Force Counter Sniper School. Our unit has greatly benefited from this young man's tireless efforts of setting the right tone for his peers and subordinates to emulate." Airman 1st Class Heather Henninger, 3rd APS, joined the Air Force for educational purposes and experience in the military because she plans to eventually work in a VA hospital, she said. Her next goal is to finish her degree. "Before I joined the Air Force, I raised and trained horses," she said. "Now, I go to work, school, and do homework." "Airman Henninger's professional attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission has a profound effect on 3rd APS joint inspection," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Paquette, 3rd APS. Airman 1st Class Mason Knuthson, previously part of the 2nd Airlift Squadron, joined the Air Force to see the world and experience new adventures. He said his next goal is to make staff his first time testing. He enjoys hiking, reading, camping and football. He has recently changed duty stations from here to Little Rock AFB, Ark., as part of the 41st Airlift Squadron. "During this selection period, he deployed twice in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom for a total of 244 days deployed, 94 combat missions, 403 combat hours and he airlifted over 374 tons of cargo and passengers," said Master Sgt. Thomas Gillard. He was twice recognized as Airman of the Month while deployed. He averaged 93 percent during tech school and scored a 93 percent on his CDC examination. Airman 1st Class Andrew Reilly, 43rd MXS, joined the Air Force to travel around the world and serve his country. His grandfather actually served in the British Royal Air Force. He said his next goals were to finish his CCAF degree, start his Bachelor's degree for structural civil engineering and make staff sergeant his first time testing. His enjoys drag racing, car building, fishing, hunting and playing water sports. "Airman Reilly consistently performs well beyond the scope of his peers," said Master Sgt. Edward McLay. "He is always the first Airman to step forward and he always exceeds expectations. He is the caliber of Airman who will continue to make the Air Force the leader in world air superiority." Airman 1st Class Wesley Shover, 14 Air Support Operations Squadron, joined the Air Force to serve his country. Airman Shover has coordinated more than 13,000 close air support sorties which have dropped over 350,000 pounds of ordnance. He is currently deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed, he has completed his CDC's and 16 college credit hours. "Airman Shover is a natural leader," said Master Sgt. Brian Cerney. "He excels at every challenge he faces and is truly deserving of his BTZ selection." Airman 1st Class Rachel Smith, 43rd Aeromedical Dental Squadron, joined the Air Force to serve her country and continue her education. She said her next goal is to become a dental hygienist and to make staff sergeant the first time she tries. Her hobbies include shopping, reading, and spending time with her husband and friends. "Airman Smith is my go-to Airman for everything," said Master Sgt. Elizabeth Thompson. "She embodies the Air Force. Skill, attitude, customer service, core values, motivated, professionalism, integrity are all words that describe Rachel. She really deserves this stripe and will no doubt succeed in all of her Air Force goals." Airman 1st Class Jerry Sysourath, 43rd MXS, joined the Air Force to travel, gain experience and a better knowledge of the world. He said his next goal is to finish his CCAF degree. Some of his hobbies are playing paintball, working on cars, watching movies and playing video games. "Airman Sysourath is always willing to learn and experience new things," said Tech. Sgt. Neal Sakasone, 43rd MXS. "He always has a positive attitude. Airman 1st Class Martin Crittendon, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, joined the Air Force for a better education. He said his next goal is to start college. He likes riding motorcycles, working out, playing and watching sports. Airman 1st Class Orlando Rivera, 23rd AMXS, joined the Air Force to get a higher education and to better his skills as a team member and leader. He said his next goal is to commission and become an officer through the Airman Education and Commissioning Program. He likes cars, drawing and getting involved with sports. Airmen Crittendon and Rivera have recently changed duty stations to Moody, AFB, Ga. "For the Airmen who are starting their careers, you don't get to be a senior airman BTZ by accident," Chief Grimm said. "It requires one to work hard and seize opportunities, to study hard on your CDCs, to be the 'go to' Airman and to get involved in your community."