First Knight

Published July 8, 2008

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tech Sgt. Robert Leaman was selected for this week's First Knight award. This award is designed to recognize outstanding Airmen each week for the work they do each day

Name: Tech. Sgt. Robert Leaman

Unit: 21st Civil Engineer Squadron

Duty Title: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Craftsman

Hometown: Greenville, S.C.

Time in Air Force: 13 years

Hobbies: Motorcycling, playing football, and spending time with his wife and children

Favorite music: Southern Rock, especially the band "Blackfoot"

Last good book read: Professional Development Guide

Last good movie seen: "10,000 BC"

Favorite thing about being in the Air Force: "Really it's the entire military experience. It's a combination of meeting new people, seeing new places, serving my country, being given responsibilities beyond my years of experience, and the general camaraderie that comes with being a part of the service. I met and married my wife in the Air Force, have made friends all over the world, I've had the chance to see and do things no one else in the civilian sector could ever dream of, and have been gifted with a broader outlook on what is going on in the world and what many other countries besides my own have to offer. I'm proud to have had the chance to be a part of something bigger than I thought I'd ever have the opportunity to."

Why he was selected for this award: "Sergeant Leaman is capable of outstanding things. When the air conditioning went out in building 982 the day before distinguished visitors were scheduled to come through, Sergeant Leaman leapt into action. He placed an emergency order for the broken part, which arrived later that day. Once the part was in, he led a seven-man team to install the needed part in record time. Not satisfied with just replacing the part, Sergeant Leaman monitored the unit during the next day's visit to ensure there were no problems. Sergeant Leaman did an outstanding job and represents the finest of the Air Force's NCO core." - 1st Lt. Brennan Howell, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron maintenance engineering deputy chief