OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Two Airmen received instantaneous promotions in December 2011 through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

Technical Sgts. Anthony Modeste, 51st Security Forces Squadron, and Denniss Olea, 51st Force Support Squadron, got surprise visits by Osan leadership intent on tacking on their new rank.

Olea's notification took place Dec. 2 by Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander. The newly-promoted sergeant is a career development technician who has been in the service 10-1/2 years.

Modeste, a combat arms instructor, found out Dec. 6 when Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Remington, 7th Air Force commander, told the 8-1/2 year Airman of the promotion.

STEP promotions are afforded to exceptional Airmen to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander's judgment, clearly warrant promotion and supplements existing Weighted Airmen Promotion System processes. The guiding policy is in Air Force Instruction 36-2502.