I dig this NCO who helped you out. I’m a big proponent of being “for the boys”- obviously for the junior enlisted and peers first, but viewing good officers like this is important for us NCOs. The fact he/she took the time to go and watch your back and help you get squared away is uncommon, even in Regiment.
E-7's are O-2's/ O-3's with more deployments. Change my mind.
The main problem is the military continues to neuter NCO's. Yes, good NCO's will lead no matter what, but their power and influence erodes every day. It is rare to see an Air Force NCO do NCO business without involving a CGO. I've seen Army units do the same.
I don't know if the erosion you note applies to the USMC. IMV and experience Marine E4s and E5s always had significantly more authority and responsibility than comparable grades in the AF.