First Knight Published June 24, 2009 21st Dental Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tech. Sgt. Steven Clinger was selected for this week's First Knight award. This award is designed to recognize outstanding Airmen and civilians each week for the work they do every day. Name: Tech. Sgt. Steven Clinger Unit: Duty Title: Noncommissioned officer in-charge, Removable Department Hometown: Brookville, Pa. Time in Service: 13 years, 3 months Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, all-terrain-vehicle riding, spending time with my family. Favorite Music: Classic rock and country Last good book read: "The Passing of the Night" by Gen. Robbie Risner How has joining the Air Force impacted your life? I have been given the chance to work with and build friendships with individuals coming from a variety of areas/cultures. The Air Force has allowed me to get my bachelor's degree and continues to provide opportunities for furthering my education. Of course, I have gotten to travel and have been blessed with three beautiful sons, and there was no monetary cost for their delivery. The Air force is constantly giving me opportunities to challenge me and make me a better leader and more diverse man. If you were Chief Master Sergeant of the for one day, how would you change the Air Force? I would like to develop a new service uniform and implement policy so it cannot be changed every 10 years. I believe we keep changing things and lose that sense of tradition that we should have. It would be nice if we had a uniform that had a little more history behind it. What's your favorite thing about being in the Air Force? The camaraderie, and having the opportunity to lead, follow, and mentor individuals. What do you like most about being an Airman? The feeling of pride I get when I am wearing the uniform and serving my country and its people. Why selected: "Tech. Sgt. Clinger exemplifies true dedication and core values as evidence in his abilities to accomplish the mission daily. He is a true role model for the Air Force and strives for the epitome of excellence in everything he does. He leads the largest Removable Prosthodontics Department in the US Air Force. In addition to his primary job, he organizes monthly Medical Group Top 3 professional development courses designed to mentor and groom junior Airmen for future responsibilities." - Master Sgt. Randy Lund, 21st DS Fixed Department chief