Promotion obvious 'STEP' for deserving Airman

Published Oct. 1, 2008
By Master Sgt. Buffy Galbraith
Air Force Special Operations Command public affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- As usual, the hard-charging Air Force Special Operations Command voice systems program manager was busy working at his desk when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a very familiar person in a very unlikely place. Tech. Sgt. Scott Hoyt was a bit confused to see his wife, Angela, but it did not take long to register that she was not the only one who did not normally visit his work center.

AFSOC commander Lt. Gen. Donny Wurster and Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Gilbert smiled alongside Angela as she proudly presented AFSOC's newest master sergeant a senior noncommissioned officer coin she had been saving for nearly two years for just this occasion. As she pressed the coin into her husband's hand, the general announced that Sergeant Hoyt earned senior NCO status via the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

"There were people up and down the halls who exploded into applause when General Wurster announced that Sergeant Hoyt had been STEP promoted," said Master Sgt. Jonathan Woodard, AFSOC communications directorate superintendent. "You won't find someone with a better work ethic. He is the first one in the office and the last one to leave, and we all know how deserving he is."

Each year, a limited number of enlisted Air Force personnel with exceptional potential may be promoted to the grades of staff sergeant through master sergeant under the STEP program.

It was Sergeant Hoyt's extraordinary staff and technical skills that made him the obvious choice for the promotion, said Col. Michael Curtis, former AFSOC communications director.

"He is always looking for ways to improve the system and save the Air Force money. His strong dedication to the mission and its fast pace has allowed him to be very pro-active with lots of ideas. The AFSOC mission just motivates Airmen like Sergeant Hoyt because they are empowered to make things happen."

Sergeant Hoyt makes things happen by being AFSOC's "go-to guy" for all command voice requirements. He is the expert on the Defense Red Switch Network, the Voice Switch System, Voice over IP and the command's cellular and wireless services. His role as the program manager for the installation of Hurlburt's telephone switch firewall ensured AFSOC was protected against malicious attacks.

Sergeant Hoyt's on- and off-duty commitments are a testament to the dedication of the newly promoted Airman, said communications-electronics functional manager Chief Master Sgt. Ray Riker.

"He balances it all - work, family, community, church. He's a well-rounded individual who obviously stood out among the keen competition vying for promotion because he's unmatched. We are so proud of him and I know there's more to come from our newest senior NCO."

Of all the congratulations, well-wishes and phone calls, the humble father-of-five said the feedback received from his family is most valuable.

"I am nothing without my family, and I know it meant so much for Angela to be able to give me that coin," said Sergeant Hoyt. "When our kids found out, they were so excited for me, and that meant everything to me. It's been a good year and the Lord has blessed us."

The good year includes being awarded the 2007 Communication-Electronics Systems NCO of the Year, AFSOC communications directorate NCO of the Year, and AFSOC NCO of the quarter. His leadership in the local community earned him the Military Outstanding Volunteer medal and he also earned his bachelor's degree in May.

"In my 27 years in service, I can't think of a more deserving person," said Col. Anthony Faughn, AFSOC communications director. "We just promoted Scott to the level commensurate with his performance and potential - awesome!"