Security Forces Airman earns below-the-zone promotion

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airman 1st Class Dan Mel, an installation patrolman with the 71st Security Forces Squadron, is the latest Airman at Vance Air Force Base selected for below-the-zone promotion and will sew on his third stripe six months early.

Mel competed for the BTZ with a member of the 71st Operations Support Squadron. They both went before a promotion board Sept. 12 that included the command chief and three group superintendants.

The two Airmen were judged on their dress and appearance, communication skills, knowledge of current events and military bearing.

"I was nervous at first," said Mel, who came to Vance in July 2012. "Thankfully, my supervisors were there to help ease my nerves with their pep talks and encouragement."

Later that same day, Mel was called into the security forces conference room where others from his squadron lined the walls. Moments later, the room came to attention when Col. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, walked in.

"That's when I knew I won the board," said Mel, an Asheville, N.C., native. "I felt so accomplished and proud. I'm grateful to my supervisors and the rest of my squadron for molding me into what I am."

"Mel is a stellar Airman," said Master Sgt. Douglas Bolton, the superintendant for the 71st SFS. "He excels at everything he does and always has a positive attitude no matter what the task is."

Sitting on the BTZ board were Chief Master Sgt. Mark Aman, the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief; Chief Master Sgt. Derek Madison, the 71st Medical Group superintendant; Chief Master Sgt. Charles Nichols, the 71st Operations Group superintendent; and Senior Master Sgt. Mark Arehart, the chief of Aircraft Maintenance Management.

As a patrolman, Mel is responsible for the safety of all base personnel and law enforcement.
"I've always had a big-brother complex so I get a lot of satisfaction from keeping the base safe," said Mel.