First Knight Published Dec. 16, 2009 By 4th Space Control Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Kim Stephens, 4th Space Control Squadron, 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. Unit: 4th Space Control Squadron Duty title: Space console operator Hometown: Santa Barbara, Calif. Time in service: Six years Hobbies: Swimming, running, mountain biking, skiing, reading Favorite music: Country Last good book read: "The Lost Symbol," by Dan Brown How has joining the Air Force impacted your live? Joining the Air Force has provided me the opportunity to get away from California and live in the "friendliest place on earth." If you were chief master sergeant of the Air Force for one day, how would you change the Air Force? Implement promotion testing for officers and align the Air Force enlisted rating system with the Army's enlisted rating system. What's your favorite thing about being in the Air Force? Being able to travel and see all the interesting places and cultures around the world. What do you like most about being an Airman? The multitude of duty assignments and training opportunities I have received that have so greatly enhanced my breadth of knowledge and leadership. Supervisor quote: Staff Sgt. Kim Stephens played a key role in preparing and executing the maiden deployment of the 1st Expeditionary Space Control Squadron to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. Once in the area of responsibility, she was instrumental in establishing a new Command and Control construct, which culminated in more than 40 missions in support of two Joint Task Forces. Sergeant Stephens' comprehensive mission expertise was particularly significant as she briefed the Secretary of the Air Force on the 1st ESCS capabilities and role in the area of operations. Since her return, she has stepped up to the challenge of training the next generation of combat ready space operators - preparing them to deliver decisive space effects in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Lt. Col. Carl Jones, 4th SPCS commander