KHAMTHONGATH

K-11, I am so proud of you for reaching this new rank!!! I know you will do amazing things and continue to develop those around you. Every experience you have encountered, whether positive or negative, has shaped you into the person and leader you are today, and it shows in all that you do. I’m so thankful we met at Altus and for the friendship we have built over the years. Cheers to you and this special day! Sending you a big hug. Your amiga (that’s friend in Spanish 🤣), Monse 🫶🏼

Monse B.

I truly wish I could have been there in person to read this to you and I'm truly sorry I couldn't be. With all our past, I know you thought this would be a roast, but that roast was done in England. Wink 😉 With that being said, I would like to remind you of some of your qualities that you may have forgotten about but have proven why you deserve this promotion more than anyone I know. Kindness & Strategic - Our first meeting was automatically red flags. We pretty much decided we disliked each other from that moment. Even with that, whether it was your kind heart, or because you had to, you still made sure I had everything I needed that morning and escorted me to our building safely. Sure, it was through some bobbed wires, but hey, we figured out how to get over them, I mean I am Mexican, hahahaha. Empathy & Comprehensive Mentorship- You were even kind enough, with a little annoyance, to show me how to use the wonderful HAPSITE and show me the ropes of Korea. I was no longer a green bean because of you. Perseverance - You never gave up on me, no matter what came our way, or how many times I fell, literally, or rolled down some church steps - upside down turtle. Sure, you laughed, but you always helped me up! The fun didn't stop there. Innovative Problem Solver - During our travels through Italy, we got 'lost'. That's in quotes cuz we realized in daylight our hotel was across the street. Anyways, we decided to take the scenic route back to the hotel, and you noticed a strange guy following us. You swiftly pulled me into a random hotel where you told the front desk the situation and they kept us there until it was all clear. If it wasn't for your quick thinking, who knows what could have happened. Expert Resource Manager - only you could figure out the cheapest way for us to travel to as many countries as we did, take in all the festivities, and book amazing hotels for us to shower in. Let's face it, we literally only stayed in them for less than a few hours each time! We have so many blurred memories, and I am so happy videoing every second wasn't a thing during that time. Force Protector - Why would anyone want to do CrossFit on purpose?!?! Only Brenda could make working out fun and exciting, and only she knew how to modify each workout. I still feel you had more fun at the Hash! There are tons of adventures and stories between the two of us that I wish I could say more. You have completely earned this moment, and I am so proud of you. If there was a way I could rejoin, knowing I could be under your leadership I would be in a heartbeat! I love you and Miss you tons!

Sara

Brenda, I have one or two things I could use to roast you, but I rather toast for your leadership, backbone, cheerfulness and spontaneity (e.g. crazy karaoke nights, highway concrete barrier jumps 😀). Praising others for their leadership is often overused, but you are truly among the few people who deserve it because you have the backbone, and I have witnessed seeing you use it to lead. Your spontaneity and cheerfulness are amazing and are likely what draws people to connect with you and to open their hearts and minds. You walk the talk. I admire you for genuinely willing to advocate and mentor our Airmen. Keep being you. Cheers to you for who you are and for all the great things you have and will continue to accomplish. PC

PC

Where do I even start!? We’ve shared a lot over the years, memories, laughs and a lot of those “what if” moments. I’m not saying anything, but I still wonder every now and then what our kids would’ve looked like. I was being nosey and read other people’s toasts to you. It really says something to me. The impact you’ve had on people, the way you show up. That’s who you are. It’s not just the rank…it’s the person behind it that we all learned to care about. Seeing you make Senior doesn’t surprise me at all. You’ve always been that good. I’m extremely proud of you and your accomplishment. To Senior Master Sergeant Khamthongath - CHEERS! How ‘bout them Cowboys!

Isreal T

I'm over the moon to geek out for a sec and say how ridiculously proud I am of you, huge congrats on your promotion. Lil Nyla is Queen of the pride now! Cheers!

Juggernaut B

If there’s one thing that’s true about Brenda it’s that she will always be her friends’ biggest fan and hardest critic. You tell it like it is and aren’t afraid to speak your mind, and it’s made me, and so many others, into better versions of ourselves. Your authenticity and honesty is rare, and it’s the thing I love most about you! Nobody could ever accuse you of taking it too easy on them, especially not at the crud table! I’ll admit you may have bested me a few times in the beginning, but the student has now become the master and I’ll meet you at the crud table anytime! 🤪 I hope the celebrations continue “all day, all night” for the one who deserves it the most! Congrats on making SMSGT!! ❤️ Lots of love to you from Oki!!!

Jacie W

I should roast you because of all the drinks and shenanigans over the years but let's face it....it's always a good time with you. Cant believe it's been 13 years since we first met. I'm super pumped for you! You deserve it! You are going to be even more of a powerhouse as a Senior!!!! Proud of you B!

Ashley N

To Brenda: Senior Master Sergeant by rank, role model by example, and undefeated family debate champion by popular vote—except when arguing with her favorite uncle... at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. J/K! We are so proud of you. Congratulations!

Vieng C

A toast to meeting such a beautiful soul! You have been nothing but amazing since day one! Your smile and authenticity is one of a kind. Anyone having a bad day that sees you will immediately turn their frown upside down. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you and getting to know you and making the few memories that we’ve made and I am so glad that we still keep in touch even if it’s a simple pop up to say hey beautiful ♥️ I want to congratulate you with accomplishing such an achievement. You are very much deserving and so much more! Continue to be the light that you are. Don’t ever stop being you! Congratulations SMsgt! Cheers 🥂. With so much love, Rhea ♥️

Rhea S

Raise a glass for my girl, Brendy We’ve been through life together since our young Staff Sergeant days in Korea, when we were roommates trying to figure life out. Through all these years, one thing has never changed, your heart. Brendy, you taught me loyalty, real friendship, and vulnerability. You lead from your center of gravity, and for you, that has always been your heart. You uplift people naturally and make everyone around you feel seen, valued, and stronger. No one deserves this win more than you. I hate that I can’t be there in person to celebrate such a huge milestone, but know I’m with you in spirit, cheering for you the same way you’ve always cheered for everyone else. I’m grateful our paths crossed all those years ago, and even more grateful to call you my friend. Congratulations!!!! I love you, girl. Tee Tee

Katelina Tiumalu

I've known you for nearly a decade & I CANNOT imagine anyone who deserves this honor more than you! You are an incredible leader, role model, & an irreplaceable friend. To this day, I have yet to find anyone who will randomly break into song with me. I miss that... lol Congratulations (S)MSgt K11! You da best. Go Chiefs!

Sara N.

SMSgt Khamthongath… never thought I’d see the day. Remember the time you said you was going to PT and left work an hour early only to meditate in your dorm room. I do, ‘cause I had to lie to Chief Mother fuckin Scott when he showed up in the gym looking for your ass. Had to call you so you can rush into your gym clothes and run to the track. What I’m trying to say is… I understand why you don’t ever give up on people; you always see the good in them. You’re a prime example that even dirtbag airmen can change and make a difference. Congrats you POS! Not sure if this is supposed to be PG but I’m retired so fuck it.

Rj S.

I’d like to make a toast to Brenda’s parents! Brenda is one of the most caring, loyal, and outspoken people I’ve ever met. She values family, laughter, and football, and those values show up in EVERY interaction she has. Thank you for raising someone who brings so much heart, honesty, and joy to the people around her. As for the football obsession… we’ll give you credit for everything except that. That one may have taken on a life of its own. Cheers!

D.T.

Congratulations, Brenda! The Air Force finally realized it’s easier to promote you rather than argue with you. Joke’s on them though—they just guaranteed themselves at least three more years of Buffalo Bills takes nobody asked for. In all seriousness, you’ve earned it! Excited to work side by side with you as we fight for our Airmen and the career field!

Donny W.

To the bad ass lady that put me in my place in drinking. Congratulations on your promotion! Love ya!!

Jason B

I’ll save your roast for your retirement (so nice of me, I know). But, K-11 (wait..can I call you that?), I am so happy that the AF finally got it right. It was a pleasure working for you. Any organization would greatly benefit from your A2D and caring heart. When I need a competent SNCO, you are the first person I go to. Even now. Can’t wait to see what that new stripe brings. Enjoy your celebration!!

Scottie S.

From parting together in Korea then Guam then Florida to Being My son’s God Mother!!!Congrats!!! Your hard work is glowing!!!! we love you so much!!!!

Audrey C

I remember being a child and getting the most random foreign treats and trinkets that I will constantly cherish knowing, while you were building your career, you had the time to think of me. Makes me feel AMAZING knowing I have an auntie as thoughtful as you! I’m so proud of you! I LOVE YOU

THE ONLY CAYDE

There was once an NCO that demanded … yes DEMANDED…. A Lt. Col to finish her dental work that day and there would be no excuses. So confident, so fierce, so strong. Only to have that NCO look at me as soon as the Dr walked out and say “Did I just yell at a Lt. Col.?!?”. You sure did ma’am, and I was in awe. My respect for you grew more after every interaction I gained with you. You took me under your wing as an Airman and friend when I desperately needed a mentor and example. I am incredibly proud of you!!! This could not be more deserved! Congrats Ma’am!!!! Hope to cross your path again one day!

Dani F.

Congrats on the "Senior" title, Brenda! It’s truly inspiring to see you achieve your dreams of becoming a professional adult just as your joints are starting to stage a formal protest. I tried to save you—we could have been living the DD-214 dream in Florida, swapping work emails for early bird specials and elastic waistbands. But instead, you chose the corporate grind, proving that your ambition is matched only by your refusal to admit you're officially a "vintage" model. Let’s be real: that promotion is just a glorified Tesla fund. You’re hitting 40 and your depth perception is clearly packing its bags, so buying a car that drives for you isn't a "tech upgrade," it's a safety requirement for the general public. Enjoy the new stripes and the fancy self-driving sensors—God knows you need a car with 20/20 vision since you don't have it anymore!

Pao-Pao