First Knight Published March 3, 2009 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Staff Sgt. Verrian Ireland 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. The First Knight is awarded by each unit's leadership to an Airman who is deserving of recognition for their outstanding mission support, adherence to core values, and epitomizes the vision of the 21st Space Wing. Name: Staff Sgt. Verrian Ireland Unit: Det. 1, 20th Space Control Squadron, Dahlgren, Va. Duty Title: Space Defense Director (SDD) Hometown: Starkville, Miss. Time in Air Force: 11 years Time Assigned to Unit: 4 years, 6 months Hobbies: Basketball, Baseball, Football, Billiards Favorite Music and Movie: Hip-Hop and "The Natural" Last Good Book: "Drive: The Last Season - A Team In Search Of Its Soul" How has joining the Air Force impacted my life?: Joining the Air Force has given me the ability to see opportunities and make the very most of them. It has taught me focus, drive, and devotion to a team. It has shown me to look beyond the surface of issues. I know that no problem is insurmountable when like-minded, principled people work together. Lastly, it has given me the opportunity to meet some incredible people and make lasting friendships. Why selected?: "As the Operations Training Manager, Sergeant Ireland leads instructors executing qualification and proficiency training programs for all mission-ready, Alternate Space Control Center personnel. Verrian recently transitioned 150 stimulus inputs and 130 lesson plans to a 14th Air Force construct, resulting in maximum interoperability with the 614th Air Operations Center. Additionally, Sergeant Ireland developed 15 new and more realistic scenarios to incorporate present day intelligence to enhance training effectiveness. Verrian once again raises the bar when preparing our young Airmen for the challenges they face, not just in their current jobs, but situations they may face over their military careers. He exemplifies the kind of warrior I need leading and training our forces in today's ever-changing global environment." - Tech. Sgt. Michael E. West, Det. 1, 20th SPCS, flight chief, Operations Support Flight