First Knight Published Sept. 15, 2008 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tech. Sgt. Michael Venning was selected for this week's First Knight award. This award is designed to recognize an outstanding Airman each week for the work they do every day. Name: Tech. Sgt. Michael Venning Unit: 21st Contracting Squadron Duty Title: Contracting Supervisor Hometown: Adelaide, Australia Time in Air Force: 8 years Time assigned to unit: 2 years Hobbies: Any sport, reading, traveling, school Favorite Music: Rock, Alternative, Classical Last Good Book: "Red Rabbit" by Tom Clancy What is your favorite thing about being in the Air Force? "Although our jobs may not be easy and no one likes to leave their families for our deployments, the one thing that I always enjoy is the people. There are people within my unit that I can count on for anything. When I deploy, I meet people that I keep in touch with. No matter how hard things get or where in the world we are, the people are the best part of that journey." Why selected: "Tech. Sgt. Venning is the epitome of a non-commissioned officer who displays drive and initiative as well as the ability to balance work, professional growth and taking care of our Airmen. He singularly manages over $2 million in contracts for Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. His superb management of critical projects, such as the complete overhaul of the single electrical entry point ("the heart of the mountain") for the entire Cheyenne Mountain, ensured no down time of service. His integration of the water supply through a local utility company is projected to save the government millions in water costs. Additionally, in less than six months, he's proven his technical expertise before a formal board of senior contracting officers, thus earning him a contracting officer warrant the first time. This significant milestone is normally awarded to senior contracting officials with at least three years in the career field. Sergeant Venning's dedication to continuing education earned him two Community College of the Air Force degrees in Contracts Managements and Mechanical and Electrical Technology, and he's earned 112 semester hours toward his bachelor's degree with Colorado Christian University. In spite of his workload, he managed to support base activities by organizing a 21st Mission Support Group blood drive, narrating the squadron's change of command ceremony, assisting with the Installation Acquisition Transformation town hall meeting and participating as a committee member of Team Peterson's SNCO Induction Banquet." - Chief Master Sgt. Joan Johnson, 21st Contracting Squadron superintendent