Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph -- Staff Sgt. Garrett McNeely, 12th Operations Support Squadron, Aerospace Physiology NCOIC logistics, received his technical sergeant stripe under the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers November 13, 2020 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Each calendar year, a limited number of enlisted Air Force personnel with exceptional potential may be promoted to the grades of staff sergeant and technical sergeant under the program, Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander made the selection.
Only 1% of the Air Force's Staff Sergeants are selected for the honor, McNeely was 1 of 182 Airmen selected Air Force wide.
"Garrett embodies the type of excellence that our Air Force needs and our Nation expects" said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cameron, 12th OSS commander.
McNeely said he was completely surprised to hear about the promotion.
“Wow, this was a surprise, thank you” he said. “I'll work hard for the Tech. and thank you also to my wife Jamie"
The timing couldn't be better as McNeely and his wife are expecting their first child in May.