The right kind of wrong: A uniform correction turns into a surprise promotion

RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

01.04.2026

Story by Capt. Amber Kelly-Herard 

86th Airlift Wing

United States Air Force Airmen are held to the highest standards, including uniform standards, which is why it came as a surprise to Staff Sgt. Carlton Vance, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Financial Management resource advisor, to learn his uniform was out of regulation.

Chief Master Sgt. Jared Roman, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing command chief, called Vance to the front of the room during a 435th Wing Staff Agencies all-call to inform him his uniform was incorrect because he was promoted to technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

“It felt like I won the lottery,” said Vance. “I was a bit shocked to think multiple people felt my work warranted such a reward.”

Vance’s selection for promotion may only be shocking to himself.

“Sergeant Vance’s promotion is extremely well deserved,” said Master Sgt. Kristi Jackman, 435 AGOW/FM superintendent and Vance’s supervisor. “He is a hardworking, dedicated, consistent, and humble professional who works well above his grade.”

As a new technical sergeant, Vance plans to continue supporting the wing.

“I will continue to assist our groups in managing the budget and accounting strategies we’ve implemented across the wing, as well as support our leaders in advocating for AGOW priorities within the theater,” he said.

In his off-duty time, Vance enjoys working out, boxing, hiking with his dog, reading, and visiting art museums.

The STEP program allows a commander to select a limited number of Airmen for promotion based on merit to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant based on their exceptional performance.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2026
• Date Posted: 01.07.2026 05:09
• Story ID: 555692
• Location: RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE
• Hometown: FORT WORTH, TEXAS, US