U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Cheronica Blandburg, 35th FW command chief, present a certificate to Staff Sgt. Ashley Ortiz, 35th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician, promoting her to the rank of technical sergeant under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program at Misawa Air Base, Japan, November 20, 2023. Ortiz was the recipient of the sole stripe the 35th Fighter Wing was authorized to give under the STEP program. (Air Force photo) ()