Wright-Patt celebrates new staff sergeants Published Aug. 20, 2026 By R.J. Oriez 88th Air Base Wing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio--The U.S. Air Force announced that 115 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Airmen have been selected to join the ranks of noncommissioned officers by their promotion to staff sergeant. A release party celebrating the selectees was held at the Hope Hotel on August 14, 2026. “I stand up here just awestruck and impressed by the amazing professionals we get to work with every day,” Col. Jason Okumura, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, told the gathering of selectees, their family, friends and supervisors. Amidst cheering, applause and high-fives, 77 selectees were honored at the event marking their achievement. “This is the day I become a leader!” said Senior Airman Julia Fulcher, 711th Human Performance Wing. “I am now responsible for the second 50% of the United States Air Force.” When asked what the event meant to him, Senior Airman Christopher Stalks, 88th Medical Group, reflected on his new role in the Air Force. “Leading new Airmen, bettering the unit, branching out, developing myself and others,” he said. Stalks acknowledged he was not sure he was going to make the cut to be at the ceremony. “I studied day and night, but I had my doubts. I had my doubts.” After the certificates were presented and the official remarks had been made, Staff Sgt. Vincent Mattox, one of the masters of ceremony, had a closing piece of advice for the soon-to-be NCOs. “Selectees, you have covered a lot of ground in the Air Force so far, but there is much more ahead,” he told them. “Ensure your toolkits are ready and resources are set as you embark on this new level. Ask questions and soak up the experience around you, because, come Monday morning, it’s game on!”