Operation Enduring Freedom -- Tech. Sgt. Matt Rossi of the 538th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron was promoted to master sergeant during an "all call" Nov. 26 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy were on hand to present Sergeant Rossi as the Air Force's newest senior non-commissioned officer, using the Stripes for Exceptional Performers system to do so.
"Our Air Force is full of phenomenal people and occasionally you get the opportunity to be part of an event where one of those stands out amongst that group of stellar Americans," said Chief Master Sgt. Max Grindstaff, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing/NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan command chief. "Matt ... I'm glad I was able to be part of your special day and again -- congratulations!"
An enlisted person only gets promoted, at most, eight times in a career, with each one being special. Chief Grindstaff said that Sergeant Rossi has a sustained record of superior performance which warranted this on-the-spot promotion, and Airmen like Rossi are the reason the STEP program exists.
"The Air Force is made up of best America has to offer. To stand out amongst our fellow Airmen ... you have to be a truly exceptional person," said Chief Grindstaff.
Even though Sergeant Rossi couldn't have his immediate family with him, Chief Grindstaff said he was proud to be there with him to share the awesome experience of having the secretary of the Air Force and the chief master sergeant of the Air Force pin him. Along with Chief Grindstaff, many of Sergeant Rossi's wing and group teammates were on hand to congratulate him on his achievement.
Another interesting thing to note is that Nov. 26, Sergeant Rossi's new date of rank, also marks his 14th anniversary of service in the United States Air Force.
Congratulations Master Sgt. Matt Rossi on your promotion!