First Knight Published Jan. 27, 2010 By 21 Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Benefield was selected for this week's First Knight award. This award is designed to recognize outstanding Airmen each week for the work they do every day. Name: Cheryl L. Benefield Duty title: Commander's executive Unit: 721st Communications Squadron Hometown: Gresham, Ore. Hobbies: Reading my Bible, riding motorcycles with my husband, and cooking and baking Time assigned to unit: 18 months Last good book read: "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald S. Whitney How has joining the Air Force impacted your life? I have had the opportunity to learn lots of valuable skills, meet lots of wonderful people, and been able to experience many things I would never have been able to if I had not joined the Air Force. If you were chief master sergeant of the Air Force for one day, what would you change? I would make it easier for career Airmen to retrain. Instead of involuntarily retraining those who don't want to retrain, I would open the retraining program to anyone who wants to retrain to fill the quotas the Air Force needs. What is your favorite aspect of being in the Air Force? I have been afforded the opportunity to travel to many different countries and see firsthand many diverse and interesting ways of life. What do you most like about being an Airman? Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, in the Air Force and in defense of our country and to try to make it a better place for all. Why Selected? "Tech. Sgt. Cheryl Benefield has been a tremendous asset to our unit from day one. Though she is currently working outside of her Air Force Specialty Code, she has accepted this challenge willingly and enthusiastically," said Lt. Col. David Hluska, 721st Communications Squadron Commander. "As an executive noncommissioned officer, she tackles daily suspenses, manages the commander's calendar, and uses good judgment while acting on behalf of the commander and superintendent. She is extremely conscientious and proactive and superior customer service is her number one attribute!"