Sergeant receives early holiday present

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Holiday cheer came early for a 31st Force Support Squadron sergeant as she received one of the biggest gifts in her Air Force career during the 31st Fighter Wing holiday party Dec. 2 at La Bella Vista Club.

Then-Tech. Sgt. Travana Toney, First Term Airmen Center NCO in charge, received her sixth stripe through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander, presented the promotion to Toney.

"It is surreal; however, I am thankful beyond words," Toney said. "I believe it to be a privileged achievement. (This promotion) is supposed to be reserved for those who are truly among the best, and I am sincerely humbled to know my supervisor, leadership and wing even considered me as one of those types of individuals."

Toney is responsible for the leadership and day-to-day operations of the First Term Airmen Center, providing a structured program to help transition Airmen to a mission-oriented environment and coordinating with base staff agencies and units to develop and event and training schedule. In addition, she conducts uniform inspections, morning roll calls and briefs and more.

"It is a blessing for Aviano and an asset for the Air Force that she earned that promotion," said Master Sgt. Jonathan Saunders, 31st Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. "On a personal level, I am happy that I was there when she received that honor. I think I was happier for her than she was. She is a rare breed who still holds professionalism as a priority. She keeps professionalism at the tip of her sword and on the front of her shield. She has a record that speaks for itself."

The STEP program is traditionally a surprise to the Airmen being promoted and is a way to reward hard working Airmen.