Fisher STEP-promoted to chief master sergeant

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tylon Chapman
  • 185th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX CITY, Iowa --  

The Air National Guard recognizes airmen who go above and beyond their station and the responsibilities and rank through a program called Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP II). 

This allows a unit commander to nominate an airman for promotion for their performance beyond what rank is normally available for his or her position in the unit manning document. 

Senior Master Sgt. Kyle Fisher, 185th Air Refueling Wing Finance Senior Enlisted Leader, was STEP-promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant at a formal ceremony at the 185th yesterday.  

Chief Master Sgt. Fisher, as finance SEL, is the advisor to the 185th's Comptroller Commander and manages military, civilian, travel pay and budget & accounting functions. 

“This is a validation of my military career,” said Fisher, “You got to have faith that if you’re doing what is right, your company or unit will take care of you.”  

Fisher’s advice for other airmen is to understand their professional military education and to be in the position to have conversations with their supervisors.  

“You need to strive for opportunity and take risks,” he said. 

Fisher credited much of his success to being transparent and trusting in unit and team cohesion. 

“There can be a return to a warrior ethos though unit cohesion, respect and loyalty,” he said. 

Aside from his team at work, Fisher noted that family is key. 

“You can’t have readiness without your family behind you,” he said.

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the 185th Air Refueling Wing, the Iowa Air National Guard, the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense of the external website, or information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Services/Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise editorial control over the information users may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the website.