Deployed Airmen takes next STEP

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Team Sheppard member deployed to Afghanistan was recently surprised with an extra stripe by 2nd Air Force.

Master Sgt. Buffie Verhagen, a military working dog trainer with the 82nd Security Forces Squadron, was promoted under the Stripes for Excellent Performers Program by Brig. Gen. James Hyatt, 5th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Kelly, 2nd AF command chief.

Sergeant Verhagen is currently serving as NCO in charge of the Police Technical Advisory Team of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, while deployed to Afghanistan and said she was quite surprised when she received the promotion.
"I was very shocked," she said. "I am happy and honored to be recognized in such a manner, especially while being deployed. I have been studying all year in preparation for testing upon return. To now have that weight lifted is a gift."

Being a STEP promote isn't her only accomplishment though, she's been Mission Support Group NCO of the year for 2006; she graduated Wayland Baptist University with honors and then volunteered for the 365-day tour she's currently serving in Afghanistan.

"Sgt. Verhagen has a track record of excellence," said Major William Lowery, 82nd SFS commander. "Air Education and Training Command named her the 2006 Security Forces NCO of the Year and Senator Craig Estes praised her for earning the Optimists International Law Enforcement Award for top-community policing."

According to her though, she didn't do this all on her own.

"I appreciate the support from the 82 SFS," Sergeant Verhagen said. "My time at Sheppard working as K-9 and on Delta Flight remains some of the best times of my career."