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Staff Sgt. Megan Cotter, 86th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of ambulance services, was promoted through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program to the rank of technical sergeant Dec. 18 on Ramstein.
Under the guise of receiving a briefing about the new 86th Medical Group Cough and Allergy Clinic, Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, presented Cotter with her new stripes.
“Even though this may have been a surprise to her, it’s well deserved. Staff Sgt. Cotter has shown she is an exceptional leader,” Thomas said. “She consistently strives to mentor and lead her subordinates to their fullest potential. Her commitment to excellence makes everyone better.”
The STEP program supplements existing Airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander’s judgment, warrant a promotion.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed and very emotional,” Cotter said. “I’m very grateful. This doesn’t just happen on its own. People help you get there.”
Cotter was awarded the 86th MDOS NCO of the Year, NCO of the 2nd Quarter and Medics Rock Award for 2014.
She has been in charge of two elements while serving at Ramstein: first as the NCOIC of Family Health and currently as the NCOIC of ambulance services.
“She’s phenomenal,” said Master Sgt. Aramis Cedeno Jr., Cotter’s supervisor and 86th MDOS primary care flight chief. “I looked at her last 10 Enlisted Performance Reports and she’s shown nothing but stellar work her whole career, constantly exceeding all expectations. This is very well deserved. She’s a superstar; that’s the only way to describe her.”
The STEP program allows Air Force leaders to select Airmen with outstanding potential for promotion to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant.
