Security manager STEPed 'on the air'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bill Gomez
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  A staff sergeant entered the Armed Forces Network's radio studio Sept. 4 expecting to offer listeners advice about sponsoring new Sabers. But she never got the chance to finish sharing her wealth of information that morning.

Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Kenney asked Staff Sgt. Kimberly Kimbril to meet with him under the pretext of giving her career advice and mentorship. When she arrived at this office, the Chief asked her to ride with him to the AFN radio studio to discuss the base sponsorship program during the commander's weekly radio show.

Sergeant Kimbril, an avid volunteer who is heavily involved with the program, said she was honored and slightly taken back by the opportunity to give advice on this subject on live radio.

She was greeted by the 52nd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Tip Wight, who prepped her before she went on his morning show.

Sergeant Kimbril started to give sponsor tips on the air when the colonel interrupted her, saying he had an NCO with him who was out of uniform.

"I am self-conscious about being out of uniform and looked all over to correct myself when he reached out and tacked me with (technical) sergeant stripes. I don't remember much after that because I was shocked. As a matter of fact, I still am," she said.

Sergeant Kimbril was recognized for her hard work and awarded her fifth stripe under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers Program.

"My supervisors were equally as surprised as I was. They had submitted a STEP package but had not heard anything about it for a while. Chief Kinney called my office (and told them) to listen to me speak during the morning radio show, and everyone found out about the STEP promotion the same time I did," Sergeant Kimbril recalled.

A security forces craftsman by trade, she is assigned to the advanced programs office where she is the alternate programs security manager.

Sergeant. Kimbril loves her job and volunteering. She is actively involved in the base sponsorship program, Single Parents Network, Air Force Sergeants Association, Tier 2, several youth center activities and the diversity committee.

"Kim is a talented and versatile professional who is serving well outside the realm of a 'normal' security forces NCO. Nominating her for this STEP promotion was easy, as I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. She truly shines in a high-pressure, high-visibility position, and I am proud to have her in the advanced programs office," said Maj. Manuel Uribe, chief of advanced programs.