Medical logistics technician STEP promoted to E-6 Published Aug. 20, 2013 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A staff sergeant with the 71st Medical Support Squadron was promoted to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program July 31 at the Wing Recognition Ceremony held in the Vance Collocated Club. The STEP program gives supervisors a chance to get their outstanding Airmen promoted who may not test well for promotion. At the end of the recognition ceremony, Col. Darren James, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, asked Staff Sgt. Shawna Houston to talk about an upcoming event. Once Houston said her piece, James told her to remain on stage. "When I heard him say, 'I would just like to recognize her again for doing great things, and we have a set of stripes for her,' I was overwhelmed," said Houston, a Lawton, Okla., native. "All I could do was cover my face. As soon as I put my hands down I started crying. I was just so moved by what my office had done for me." "I've been here since February and Tech. Sgt. Houston has been nothing but a go-getter," said her supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Christina Schriever. "I've been in more than 17 years and haven't come across anyone who has been more deserving." Houston has been in the Air Force for seven years and plans to retire someday.