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GK Airman has surreal week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  A Geilenkirchen Airman had a week he will never forget when he was selected for a Stripes for Exceptional Performers Promotion, named a headquarters annual award winner and became a father.

What started as a good week for Staff Sgt. Donny Barton, 470th Air Base Squadron NCOIC of chapel operations, by learning he earned a U.S. Air Forces in Europe award got even better when he walked away from a commander's call with an extra stripe on his sleeve.

"I was in shock," Sergeant Barton said, of his STEP promotion. "I had no clue I was supposed to be at the commander's call to receive recognition for winning the USAFE Outstanding Chaplain Assistant NCO of the year."

Chaplain (Maj.) David Buttrick, 470th Air Base Squadron, was pleased when he found out about Sergeant Barton's achievements.

"My first reaction to both was 'Praise God,'" he said. "I was very surprised and very happy for Donny because he works so hard to ensure we meet the spiritual needs of our community. Tech. Sgt. Barton is one of those quiet professionals, doing his work without the need for recognition. In fact when he was presented his STEP promotion he was shocked and a little shy to receive the public appreciation for his service."

Despite being humble, Sergeant Barton is not a stranger to recognition. He also earned the USAFE Outstanding Chaplain assistant NCO award in 2006.

"I have been very proud to represent the GK Chapel by winning the award two times in the past three years," he said. He attributes this accomplishment to God, prayer and consistent hard work.

"I am very proud of him," said Lucienne Barton, his wife. "He is most deserving of all the recognition. I believe in the end hard work always pays off."

Chaplain Buttrick also said he felt Sergeant Barton's recognition was well deserved.

"Bottom line, he works very hard," the chaplain said. "He takes pride and ownership of chapel operations. He is committed to USAF Chaplain Corps mission and has volunteered multiple times to support Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Throughout his career there is a re-occurring theme; a pattern of hard work, dedication to duty and selfless service attitude. I am so happy for him and he was certainly deserving of both the USAFE Award and the STEP promotion."

On top of earning the award and a promotion in a seven-day period of time, Sergeant Barton's wife gave birth to their son, Ty William.

"Families play a huge part in our lives," Sergeant Barton said. "They sacrifice so much, without my wife's support and sometimes push to do stuff and go the extra mile I would never have achieved so much."

Sergeant Barton's work ethic has not tapered -- during his unit's recent Unit Compliance Inspection he earned an Inspector General Pat on the Back Award and has been nominated to be the USAFE nominee for the Air Force Annual Chaplain Corps Award.

"Selfless hard work always pays off," he said.