Surpassing expectations: Four 35 AMDS Airmen achieve BTZ

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Four airmen first class from the 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron earned an early promotion through the senior airman "below-the-zone" program during boards held quarterly from January 2014 to June 2015. 

Senior Airmen Zenny Dinh, 35 AMDS bioenvironmental engineering journeyman, and Scott Maris, now 42nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineer journeyman at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, were selected by the BTZ board in January 2014, followed by Senior Airman Bethany Hill and Airman 1st Class Ann Keyser, 35 AMDS bioenvironmental engineering journeymen, who were chosen in March and June 2015, respectively.

"The only time we didn't submit a package was when we didn't have an Airman to put up for BTZ," said Maj. Jason Shirah, 35th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engineering flight commander. "For this many Airmen from a group, or even a squadron, to be selected for BTZ is rare."

The Airmen were chosen to promote via this competitive, early promotion program offered to airmen first class who stand out amongst their peers and perform duties at a level exceeding their rank. In general, airmen first class are eligible for promotion to senior airman after serving in the Air Force for three years while being an E-3 for 20 months, or serving as an E-3 for 28 months.

The BTZ selection process starts with documentation of  leadership and job performance, significant self-improvement and base and community involvement beginning from basic training to the time they are eligible for a BTZ promotion. All of the Airman's achievements are documented in a package, and the Airman faces a board consisting on mainly chief master sergeants, who then determine who will earn the stripe.

"It's a great opportunity to go through the BTZ process," said Keyser. "To sit on the board and explain your perspective and thoughts to leadership, and see they're recognizing you is extremely humbling."

Only 15 percent of airmen first class are selected BTZ, earning another stripe six months before the average pin-on date.

Bioenvironmental Airmen are required to oversee a number of programs that evaluate workplace hazards like extreme noise and radiation exposure.

"During technical school the instructors said it was very difficult for our career field to get BTZ because the impact we have on the wing isn't well known," said Hill. "I decided to be the exception to the rule."

The bio Airmen left technical school determined to hold themselves to a higher standard, and hit the ground running once they arrived here.

"This job has helped me develop research, communication and administrative skills, which can be used in every component of my life," said Hill. "We learn about occupational health and how our job protects Air Force assets."

Arriving at Misawa AB with the mindset to capitalize on their abilities and opportunities set these Airmen apart and created a foundation for their success.

"They are very ambitious and hardworking in all aspects of their lives, not just here at work," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Roseboro, 35 AMDS bioenvironmental engineering flight superintendent. "It really shows that they have the desire to be excellent in whatever they're doing."

From day one, the Airmen strived to stand out at work, in school and throughout the community, said Roseboro.

"It's a snowball effect," said Dinh. "You start small and build upon everything. You can begin by winning a squadron award and then group and wing awards - these all help accomplish the goal of BTZ."

To set herself apart, Dinh worked on several different projects for the bioenvironmental engineering flight. She also became involved with the community by serving as the dorm council president and teaching English off base in Hachinohe, Japan.

Hill started off by attending Misawa First Four organization meetings and eventually led projects of her own, in addition to attacking career development courses and upgrade training. At work, she eagerly undertook programs left by previous Airmen in an interest to further understand her job. 

Keyser's love for animals prompted her to become a board member of Misawa's Pets Are Worth Saving, a non-profit stray animal facility. She also conducted programs like water sampling with the U.S. Army and Navy in an effort to better comprehend how all military services work together.

"My fellow Airmen set the bar high, and I didn't want to touch it or skim it," said Keyser. "I wanted to fly over it."

On top of the events and positions held, Hill achieved her Community College of the Air Force degree before her board and Dinh and Keyser were only a few classes away from obtaining theirs, said Shirah.

"They came here with a desire you can't readily teach," Shirah said. "They were all excellent performers from day one."

To better their chances for BTZ, Hill and Keyser participated in a recently implemented Professional Development Center class and mock board offered to help Airmen prepare for this promotion opportunity.

"Since my board was one of the first to be conducted at Misawa in a long time, a lot of the Airmen didn't know how to prepare for it," said Dinh. "The PDC class they have now didn't exist when Maris and I went up for BTZ, so we had in-flight and medical group mock boards where leadership helped us practice, asked us questions and taught us how to answer."

By providing opportunities for Airmen who are hungry for them, their determination is perpetuated, said Shirah.

"If the Airmen are working hard for us and taking care of the mission, their efforts need to be matched by us," said Shirah. "You can't shortchange them and expect their enthusiasm to stay high."

Misawa's bio leadership rewards their hardworking Airmen by making time for them to attend practice boards, documenting their performance and writing countless awards packages, said Shirah.

"We have established a concept of developing people and the Airmen have taken on the role," said Shirah. "We want to form a system so other bases want our Airmen because they're dependable.  Even those who don't attain a fast start can arrive here, fuse into this culture of professionalism and have successful career launches."

Leadership credits the success of the flight to the environment fostered by the Airmen.

"Airmen shape other Airmen," said Shirah. "It's one thing for us to sit here and tell them to do something, but it's completely different for them to see the expectations of their peers and what can be accomplished."

After four successful BTZ packages and immeasurable efforts, the bioenvironmental engineering flight knows this system pays off.

"It was a relief when they won because we wanted it terribly bad for them and knew they were worthy of it," said Shirah. "If they didn't win, we would have failed to convey their excellence. Instead, the packages delivered an exact picture of them."

Upon receiving the news, the Airmen felt a validation of their efforts.

"Being part of the world's greatest Air Force and being chosen to earn an extra stripe by a group of chief master sergeants put me on cloud nine," said Hill. "My father was in the Army and I was used to being around rank. These people I have looked up to for so long decided I was the best and deserved to be promoted early. I had never had that feeling before this."

Not only did this triumph create a confirmation of their hard work, but a new sense of pride in their careers and personal lives.

"BTZ ignited a flame that made me feel more confident at work," said Keyser. "I hold my head higher."

Consistent with their attitudes to date, each Airman has internalized this great accomplishment and applied it toward their future plans.

"To see you've accomplished more than the average Airman is a great feeling," said Hill. "Then it's on to the next thing. 'How can I build on this?' It never stops, but it confirms that you should keep pushing."

Their plans to build on this success are constantly developing. Dinh intends to commission as an officer in the Air Force, Hill's dream of being a doctor since she was 5 years old is close to being a reality, and Keyser admires the position of first sergeants and chief master sergeants, and hopes to fill the role one day.

"I now know I can meet these significant goals," said Hill. "I just have to make sure to keep reaching higher. The sky is the limit."