First Knight Published Dec. 1, 2008 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Master Sgt. Ron Simonson 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: Master Sgt. Ron Simonson Unit: 721st Mission Support Group, Test Control Division Duty Title: Test Manager Time in service: 16 years, 8 months Time assigned to the unit: 11 months Hometown: Cocoa, Florida Hobbies: Working on cars and trucks, home improvement activities, and tinkering in the garage Favorite music: Country, but I like a little bit of everything Last good movie: "Schindler's List" Last good book: "The Da Vinci Code" What's your favorite thing about being in the Air Force? " There is no one favorite thing that truly tops the list. Meeting new people at each assignment, traveling, and being stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, for 8 years rank right up there (the food & wine in Italy are excellent!). Most memorable, though, would be twice deploying with the 603rd Air Control Squadron to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and doing my assigned wartime job 24/7. My crew and I ensured that our troops on the ground requesting help received outstanding Combat Air Support, ultimately saving or, in some cases, recovering our fallen brethren. I have the satisfaction of knowing that I've directly contributed to some very successful coalition campaigns in the Global War on Terrorism." Why he was selected for this award: "In his first year at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Sergeant Simonson has become the foremost air warning system test manager for the Test Control Division. He is responsible for the safe configuration of air defense sectors during tests and national-level exercises involving NORAD/NORTHCOM operations centers and assets. Sergeant Simonson skillfully applies his wealth of aircraft maintenance and air battle management experience to this Air Force-unique test management position. He tackles a myriad of additional and volunteer duties, to include regular support for a deployed Airman and his family, with a consistently positive attitude, an unwavering focus on the mission, and a ready willingness to serve." - Maj. Kurt Skinner, 721st Mission Support Group, Test Control Division