4 new master sergeants recognized Published Sept. 3, 2014 71st FTW Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - -- Team Vance recognized four new master sergeants during a ceremony Aug. 28 at the Vance Collocated Club. Senior NCO-Recognition ceremonies are annual Air Force traditions where master sergeant selects are welcomed to the Senior NCO tier and recognized for their accomplishments. This year, Vance recognized: Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Barr, the 71st Communications Flight chief contracting officer Master Sgt. Philip Bonadonna, the 71st Operations Support Squadron Air Traffic Control RAPCON watch supervisor Tech. Sgt. Chad Quin, the 71st OSS weather station flight chief Master Sgt. Tamica Rippke, the 71st Comptroller Squadron quality assurance manager "Making master sergeant means that I can help Airmen in a way that I was not able to before," said Rippke, who has been in the Air Force for more than 18 years. "It means more responsibilities and challenges, but I think I am ready." Becoming a senior NCO was a goal from day one, said Quin, an 18-year veteran. To be considered among the top tier means a lot. "I have lots of goals, but the first is continuing to serve," he said. "I really like to help people so one day I would like to be a first sergeant."