45th Space Wing Staff Sergeant gets Surprise On-the-Spot Promotion

Brig Gen Anthony Cotton promotes Brent Kenney to TSgt as part of the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program today!

[@leejames9422]

That is one very cool Brig General

[@1fullbird]

If you knew him you wouldn't say that. One of the most arrogant, self centered, butt kissing, "me first" officer I have ever met. I busted his chops on many occasions in an attempt to correct his attitude. Many of fellow Colonels were reluctant to chide him (Cotton was a Lt Col at the time) as he was such a politician with connections. I harbored no fear as a prior enlisted who earned a commission and promotion to Colonel with a mandatory age retirement I couldn't be harmed. Yes, this guy is now a Lt Gen but he's still a bottom feeder.

[@eastwestcoastkid]

1fullbird really? He seemed otherwise. Could you provide an example?

[@1fullbird]

If you research "Careerism vs Professionalism" in the military you would see insights into his conduct. Akin to the one liner of "i just need to look good, not necessarily do good". Very skilled at looking making himself look good.

[@eastwestcoastkid]

1fullbird ? Ok..I meant an example of where you called him to task based on your claim.

[@1fullbird]

@CAVKING19DELTA TEXAS Congratulations to you brother. I wish him well.

[@craigwood7063]

Army did the same thing to me when I got promoted to Sergeant Major, only by a Major General.

[@vaughn1376378]

Only???

[@sebastianwatson1558]

This is what I love about the US military. A general officer can make a big deal about an NCO s promotion. May that balance keep the US.

[@MrFloppy131]

That NCO Promotion holds more rank than most Officers, they will choose to follow the NCO before a Fresh out of Cadet Training Officer

[@anthonyjaramillo6647]

@@MrFloppy131 yep

[@andresnikolas3159]

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[@vicentecason1555]

@Andres Nikolas Instablaster ;)

[@andresnikolas3159]

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[@jodylucas2363]

As a STEP promoted TSgt myself, it's a frickin shock to hear this wonderful news. Congratulations!

[@poppiarlin5612]

Very very impressed! How can you not respect and love this Brig General? A real leader.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

indeed!

[@chestrockwell6833]

Only a airforce officer would say "by golly" 😂😂

[@muttley1956]

Chest Rockwell That's because the Air Force requires well educated, intelligent people.

[@mrcontroversy222]

@@muttley1956 you fucking loser hahaha

[@mrcontroversy222]

@@xThunderMelonx I eat doseeeee

[@hudson5506]

THAT IS SO TRUE!!!

[@jessielee1369]

That was beautiful. Racism sucks. Who couldn't love men like these guys. The love and camaraderie of these guys for each other is too rare. God bless all of them and congratulations to all of them. Thanks for having my back and providing fear for my enemies. I am so blessed to be an American with such a strong and willing military to protect my freedom. God bless you all and I pray for your continued success.

[@the_answeris6694]

*Military:* Promotion deserves a ceremony with the Commanding General in front of all your peers, an amazing certificate, some comedy when "applying" the new rank insignia, and an ovation by the crowd. Not to mention a KZbin video. *Civilian:* A thank you from the boss and a certificate for dinner for two at the local buffet.

[@roberthudson1959]

This was not a routine promotion. STEP means Stripe Through Exceptional Performance, and the airman has to significantly outperform their rank. I have seen videos in which the general comments that they have only seen a STEP promotion 2-3 times in their careers.

[@johnsondayal7842]

Proud South African ex Marine, who honours all military personnel for contribution to their respective countries, the US Military is commended hereunder . Thanks

[@GM8101PHX]

There are no ex or former Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, we will always represent our service!! And thank you for serving!!

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Happy for Him . I was given a field commendation during JTF Bravo by a Brig Gen who flew from the states to " down there " just for the exchange and left an hour after .

[@rengoman1]

How can anyone give this a thumbs down. What’s wrong with you people out there!! This is very cool!! Congrats to you sir!!! And thanks for your service to this GREAT country!!!

[@benth162]

Congratulations Sargent. That was a nice surprise. I remember when I got my Staff Sargent stripes, they line us up on the flight line as usual and the master Sargent said hey, you are out of uniform. I was so flummoxed I couldn't figure out what they meant, Then the Master Sargent called me up front and presented me with those staff Sargent stripes and every one in our squad clapped and hooted. We were over in Thailand at the time at Utapao, and getting Staff Sargent stripes with only three years in the service, was unusual. I'm not bragging, but I was a go-getter in my early twenties. It is nice to be noticed for what you do by the higher-ups.

[@GM8101PHX]

Congrats to your promotion, I was a joker so the squadron gave what I had earned by messing with others including the first Sergeant

[@cheesegyoza]

That Chief looks too young to be a Chief. Awesome job go Air Force!

[@WootTootZoot]

When you start seeing people that way, you're getting old.

[@dalewright3667]

You got to like the both command e9 Brig .General genuinely enjoyed promoting his ssgt. and tacking on the Teck sergeant stripes. great video

[@marcatteberry1361]

I had permission from my Lt to miss final formation if I was working on my M-561 Gama Goat. One day in 1985 I was hauled out from under it, told I HAD to be in formation, and they were all waiting for me! I was pissed and embarrassed. I got to my HQ section of my field artillery unit in W. Germany, snuck along the back rows to my spot in Formation, in my greasy uniform, with (literally) dripping oil overalls under my arm. I came to attention as everyone was already there, and obviously waiting for me...and was shoved front and center by the NCO's, and was promoted to Sp/4 (E-4) for outstanding conduct! What a rush! I love my Country, I love My President. MAGA

[@Bubbles99718]

Good story till the end.

[@billshelton9147]

So sad. MAGA: sedition through disinformation

[@fabiogonper]

Congratulations Sargent and the commander too

[@jay10071981]

I see so Much respect, banter and love. Officier to officier...Nice

[@twinsonic]

I see only one officer..the Brig Gen.

[@robertbishop5357]

Awesome and congratulations. Thankyou and your family for your service.

[@bajamedic]

Congrats! Proud command staff makes it better!

[@bobbyjoyce2483]

Thank you "ALL" for your Service!

[@jackfrost2288]

X Army here, son USAF T/Sgt. Congratulations. T/Sgt. Kenney.

[@helenajamesmiller1259]

Cheerful ceremony,I am happy to see you great promoted and to meet you and your family again my dear beloving brother and our dear colleague.

[@austinconnor3493]

Hello James how are you doing today.?

[@abdullah.a.nahyan]

promotionss in the military is a really big deal.... congratulations :)

[@TsarOfRuss]

he must have killed alot of innocent people to earn this

[@jakeuskun]

Tsar ignorant

[@oz5798]

@@TsarOfRuss yes he's in the 45th space wing.... must've killed a lot of innocent...aliens?

[@erob8347]

What an honor. Excellent!

[@richardharrold4357]

Semper Fi. Outstanding job!

[@kenwbrenner]

How wonderful! God Bless them all....

[@suzetteslinkard3432]

Congratulations my husband is in the Army

[@GM8101PHX]

I was called to report to the Commander's office, I was informed that the storm windows to my room in the barracks were broken from the inside, out. I had driven by my barracks, and because my room was second floor at the end by the road I glanced up on the way to refuel the flight chief's truck. first off a sergeant E-4 wasn't normally doing that task. the First Sergeant, CMSgt Triplett, my flight chief MSgt Huston and the Commander Lt. Col Wilder had it planned out. I reported as ordered to the Commander's office, Colonel Wilder stated he didn't know what he was going to do with me. At this point I thought I was going to be demoted back to Senior Airman. Of course I was always messing with the First Shirt. This was his payback. It seemed so real until the Colonel stuck out his hand shaking mine, congratulating me on my receiving a line number for Staff Sergeant. I of course turned to the First Shirt vowing payback as we were all laughing at my seeming misfortune. It was a high point of my six year Air Force career. This was with the 92nd Security Police Squadron, Fairchild AFB WA.

[@Unknown-rd8jo]

Gregory Miller you talk too much!

[@B_B463]

Unknown That's how you know it's fake.

[@themanplan987]

Tsgt in 6 years nice man

[@psychopompous3207]

@@themanplan987 Not Tech. Staff. Back in the day, the AF had Senior Airmen and Buck Sergeant or just "sergeant". Both were E-4. A system in line with the other services that have E-4 NCO ranks.

[@GM8101PHX]

@@Unknown-rd8jo I've been told that many times, I am just like my Dad so I will go doing the same!!

[@thecityforever1215]

Seems more like a club than the military. Air Force always delivers on that side of the fence. XD

[@c.bishopyoung1459]

The CMSGT looked extremely sharp.

[@GM8101PHX]

He is actually a Command Chief Master Sergeant, the only position greater is Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force!! or Advisor to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff which is the highest enlisted rank of any branch of the armed forces! Currently Chief Lopez holds that rank.

[@M70ACARRY]

Always great day to get promoted.

[@DonaldMLewis]

Congratulations TSgt.

[@maxman-357]

I love traditions.

[@olexxr8503]

The 16 dec 2019 I was promoted to Warrent officer 😃😃 .. Danish Army ..

[@rdouglas747]

Ole Xxr Congratulations, Sir!

[@muriloninja]

I have to say you Air Force boys know how to promote. lol The CMS hammered it in at 2:08

[@S3P7]

You call that hammering? Lol

[@ConstantineJoseph]

Back in the day, Generals like Patton......

[@ptech88]

Very cute, love the trinkets and patches. Welfare is a wonderful thing.

[@GM8101PHX]

Those are not trinkets, they are ribbons and medal awarded for outstanding service to our nation. Patches denote the command the person is serving with!

[@ptech88]

@@GM8101PHX i think my kid got some from the prize inside cereal boxes. I guess their heros also

[@K74UT]

airman first class here Sgt.! Congratulations Sergeant!

[@hipotard1381]

There is no sergeant in the airforce.

[@K74UT]

Hipo tard You don't say!

[@zoomie6421]

Hipo tard Yeah there is. It isn't a rank but a term of address for 4 of the ranks. The majority of the people you would run in to on an Air Force Base are Sergeant.

[@aa-media3238]

Congrats! Cool General. USAF '86-'90. AGE Mechanic

[@LAbumpy99]

AGE Mechanic myself. 1982-1986 Made Ssgt. in 3 years!! airmen below the zone and all! Go Airforce

[@judithhonold9577]

Congratulations!

[@mattk6719]

"Lo and behold, by golly, that's neat, compatriot. That's special." ...said no Marine ever. Yet, if we ever "pinned" rank on anyone on camera we'd get busted for hazing.

[@dleoner1]

Matt K won’t lie, the SgtMaj of the Marine Corps pinned me to Sergeant when I worked in the Pentagon. The other individual who pinned me was my boss, a high ranking civilian. When the boss “pinned” me, the look on the SMMC’s face was priceless. I was in awe, but the boss knew he was untouchable. Nothing could be done. I welcomed that pinning like any newly promoted Marine would. S/F

[@eastwestcoastkid]

Evelio DLeon was it inappropriate for a civilian to be involved?

[@dleoner1]

eastwestcoastkid not at all, you can choose whoever you want to pin you when you get promoted

[@jenn20032]

Congratulations .. that is awesome and a great reward on all of ur hard work =)

[@jdbrownradio]

That general is awesome.

[@LAbumpy99]

Go Airforce , Airforce Ssgt. 1982-1986. AGE Mechanic. Love those good old days. lol

[@kevd99]

The Gen is a very cool officer

[@vasily2022]

When we put race and skin color aside this world is promising. True camaraderie, true respect, true joy. Great Video. Congratulations to the guy..

[@kwamenimako4040]

Congratulation

[@pamwawrzyniec3920]

That’s so cool

[@bruceseaman6592]

When my son was promoted to corporal all he got was a curry and 2 days of diahhorea

[@Cimberly5]

This is awesome!

[@ppipowerclass]

Brig General is cool af.

[@nancyhobson9710]

By gingoes that was good!

[@curtisstapleton7167]

Awesome 👌

[@Vikotnick]

Congratulations!!!!!!

[@jroynonfisher]

CCM laid the hit on him, hahaha.

[@hudson5506]

NICE JOB... CONGRATULATIONS! IVE NEVER MET A TECH SERGEANT THAT DIDN'T KNOW HIS SHIT! THEY ARE TO BE RESPECTED. THAT'S NOT AN EASY PROMOTION TO GET AT ALL!

[@emailschmemail9327]

He sounds like Bill Cosby lmao

[@ArsonFire00]

Space Wing?! They should have presented him with a light sabre.

[@CookieMonster13297]

So this is what the Air Force is like

[@austin123412341234]

god the air force is actually a corporation lol

[@chrisb3976]

Well done :D

[@jameslonergan4830]

Pin it on. In the USMC, it includes going through the rickets.

[@ngatibroffessor1840]

wow congrats!

[@jimraynor4609]

The air force seems fun. If I had to pick one branch of the military to join that would probably be it.

[@roberthudson1959]

NO branch of the military is fun, although there are fun times.

[@Ed-pj7fk]

What the Air Force has are the cool toys, and not just the jets. Remember, the internet was developed and put in play by the Air Force (ARPANET in 1983) among other things.

[@mattk6719]

Then why is Raynor always hanging out with Marines?

[@ernesttucker4359]

Jesus'the Air Force is so chill lol

[@arturoescalante3969]

🧡🍊

[@SecurityLeadsPro]

Cool! WTG!

[@dennism103]

I was a sp 6 yrs. 25 years ago

[@chipblock2854]

The first thing I noticed that would never happen in the Army or Marines (I assume the Navy too) is that when the Tech Sargent came up front he didn't salute the officer. The second thing was the very relaxed and jovial atmosphere. And finally, the officer saluted the Sargent first at the end. That just doesn't happen in other branches. It's a reflection of great leadership in the Air Force. Now I have 107 reasons why I should have gone Air Force.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Cheesy, that ain’t a Cmsgt first sgt, I believe it has only two stripes up, not three! But I will watch again and if needed, report back.

[@Petemonster62]

Henauder Titzauf - CMSgt. stripes were originally 2 stripes up & 6 stripes down. I think it was in the 1990s where they changed it to MSgt: 1 stripe up, 5 stripes down - SMSgt: 2 stripes up,5 stripes down - CMSgt: 3 stripes up, 5 stripes down.

[@GM8101PHX]

@@Petemonster62 You are correct, but that chief is actually a Command Chief Master Sergeant hence the central star in the field.

[@toner37]

can someone explain why they get their shoulders punch after?

[@GM8101PHX]

It helps the velcro stick better and it is the tradition of the Air Force and every other military force of the United States

[@infamous88]

Space wing soldier works on the ground lmao 🤣

[@GM8101PHX]

But they control everything in space and work with technology to ensure the US is Superior in our capabilities!! They do Top Secret work to make sure those of us in the air, ground or sea can do our jobs to overpower our enemies!!! I salute my sister force!!

[@jackwest3282]

I would say thanks..but where is my space plane sir? lol jk

[@agnesmanly5711]

One of the commanderband lo by golly got so drumroll please

[@jerrychen1265]

👍👍👍

[@dennism103]

Race really isn't a issue in the military...

[@az093022]

What an idiotic statement

[@lynxeffectt]

@@az093022, so why mention it, AT ALL??

[@Bubbles99718]

The vid ended before cops came in and shot the 2 black guys for punching a white guy

[@agnesmanly5711]

Things that link to put someone by golly from drumroll please

[@grantwilliams7796]

Having “Space Force” being put into the military it seems we already had that.

[@Bbendfender]

I was in when it was SAC.

[@GM8101PHX]

It is because Space is becoming the next fighting field and to ensure the United States has the most superior technology and military force to get the job done!!

[@michelleoglesby1036]

Cannot tack those stripes on anymore due to some wussy complaints. Sad day for USAF. Tradition dead.

[@Prettybrownandpoppin]

Wussy complaints?? Moreso because people died from traditions that were like this.......people were literally punching soldiers in the chest.....im just saying. People get an inch and take a mile.

[@mattk6719]

@@Prettybrownandpoppin Notwithstanding the few exceptions which utterly failed to maintain any level of moderation, they were never the norm, and such traditions should be safeguarded, not carelessly uprooted en mass.

[@az093022]

No it's more of adults finally becoming more mature and have common sense and realize that these "traditions" are unprofessional and immature. Not only have I heard of deaths and suicides as a result of these "traditions" done behind closed doors but there have been fights and bad blood between service men/women. So quit acting like a child and grow up.

[@mattk6719]

@@az093022 Banning the thing being abused never fixes the person doing the abusing. It's a slippery slope legislating policy based solely on a few extreme exceptions to the norm. Those examples of abusive hazing are not only incredibly rare but also ceased being about tradition when they became injurious. By your logic, should I suppose you would also believe that guns are responsible for murder and alcohol is to blame for escapism?

[@ajflyingatyomouth2831]

I think it change along with the don't ask don't tell bs. That was the best part about tagging on someone's stripes..... you got to bruise that arm.

[@agnesmanly5711]

Stiff folks golly wing got drumrolle

[@agnesmanly5711]

Can do promotion that from so drumall Britte

[@marksill8020]

Bravo Zulu!!

[@michaeltaylor8835]

space wing?

[@weatherman2007]

Michael Taylor yep, out of Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. They also are in charge of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

[@agnesmanly5711]

That link someone behold space please sergeant

[@James-zq7md]

It's sad when he has to open the citation to read who he is promoting.

[@jlf13766]

James He’s a Brigadier General, there’s no way for him to know everyone under his command.

[@James-zq7md]

@@jlf13766 I was just a captain but if I promoted in this fashion I practiced and knew who they were.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

promoted to what

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

Michael Taylor yes

[@agnesmanly5711]

Neatest in for. Will tech so this please know change out do this you'll

[@agnesmanly5711]

Not the easy

[@danielwatts7375]

Weak punches. Chair Force. 😏 Congrats on the promotion! Not every one gets done by a General. Pretty awesome!

[@axjohn]

Weak punch was for the cameras. My USAF stripes got “pinned on” MUCH harder than that back during the Nam era. Trust me.

[@danielwatts7375]

@@axjohn I can definitely believe it during the Vietnam era! Welcome home, brother!

[@GM8101PHX]

When I put on my Staff Sergeant stripes I had to face the gauntlet, every NCO with more rank and then the airmen I served with got their turn. I could not carry my M-16 that day, i was black and blue on both arms, but that was okay, they honored me by recognizing my promotion!!

[@agnesmanly5711]

Three- two-one

[@agnesmanly5711]

Britte submit my golly by wing got will tech

[@agnesmanly5711]

Is have we had behold by golly wing so drumrolle kinney

[@agnesmanly5711]

Things stiff submit notified wing drumall sergent

[@agnesmanly5711]

Commander can do apportunity 45th will Britt so one of passes did do this perfict photo tree-two-one ist'n put rent

[@whowawoo]

The general makes over $200,000 a year compared to an E6 $65,000 at 20 years, go to college is the message here. Never enlist. The Air Force is the only branch that stifles rank in times of peace, in other words there is a limited quota on total number of airman in the Air Force, go to college, never enlist

[@GM8101PHX]

I say different, you end up with piling debt to go to these colleges and universities ripping you off, I did fine discharging as a Staff Sergeant then moving on to police work for 20 years!!

[@agnesmanly5711]

So obe back wife to keep before we have simething there's

[@cabqari]

That blue flag. Is it the somali flag? 😊

[@GM8101PHX]

It is the general's personal flag, all generals and admirals have their own flag though out all branches!

[@danielserrano591]

trenin seminary ,base unnited state pei pension range dipou airbase eel I D.symbol rank

[@muttley1956]

What did he do? Manage to make breakfast for his CO three days in a row?

[@bravo62]

I've never seen such an informal & ridiculous ceremony !? Mickey mouse brigade!

[@abdikadawe2988]

I see Somali flag 🇸🇴

[@rdouglas747]

Abdi Kadawe That’s the general’s flag. It has one star because the general has one star...