Air Commando receives early holiday gift

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram
  • 353rd Special Operations Group
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Newly promoted James Kosnosky, a loadmaster with the 1st Special Operations Squadron, started his holiday season early here Dec. 21 after receiving a promotion to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

Each year, a limited number of STEP promotion slots are released each year throughout the Air Force to promote outstanding individuals to staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant.

As Sergeant Kosnosky opened a present he was given by Col. Robert Toth, the 353rd Special Operations Group commander, he smiled wide and almost became speechless as he read the memorandum from the commander promoting him to technical sergeant.
When he gathered his thoughts, all he could do is thank his fellow Air Commandos.
"It's truly an honor to receive this promotion," Sergeant Kosnosky said. "But it wouldn't have been possible without help of everyone here. I couldn't have achieved any of this without each of you."

Colonel Toth said he selected Sergeant Kosnosky based on his stellar performance and the expertise he brings to the 1st SOS.

"Sergeant Kosnosky is the epitome of why we have the STEP program," the colonel said. "He consistently outperforms his peers while executing critical tasks and missions normally carried out by more senior NCOs. It's an honor to recognize him with this well-deserved promotion."

During his time as a staff sergeant, Sergeant Kosnosky was routinely highlighted as a superior performer. Most recently, he was named an exceptional performer by Air Force Special Operations Command inspectors during a recent evaluation. He also captured the NCO of the Quarter Award for the third quarter of 2010, the 2009 1st SOS Squadron Loadmaster of the Year, AFSOC's 2007 Aircrew Training NCO of the Year and multiple 1st SOS monthly Professional Performer Awards.