Whiteman Spirit Award Published July 15, 2008 By 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo -- Col. John Robinson, 509th Bomb Wing vice commander, presented Staff Sgts. Kyle Douglass and Aron Virden, 509th Security Forces Squadron, with the Whiteman Spirit Award July 8. Senior Airman Scott Soverino was also selected to receive the Spirit Award, but was unavailable at the time of presentation. Lt. Col. Craig Allton, 509th SFS commander, nominated the Airmen for the award The Law Enforcement Desk received a call May 22 from an individual that another Airman was going to kill himself. Immediately Sergeants Douglas and Virden and Airman Soverino were dispatched to the Airman's room. Upon arrival knocked on the Airman's door to gain entry and the Airman inside replied he didn't want to talk and was going to kill himself. Finding the door locked, Sergeant Virden and Airman Soverino gained entry through the suitemate's bathroom and allowed Sergeant Douglas to enter. Once inside, the distraught Airman then held a knife to his own throat followed by Sergeant Virden and Airman Soverino drawing their M9s. Sergeant Douglas began talking to the Airman offering help and emphasizing that they did not want him to hurt himself. Eventually the Airman dropped the knife and was taken into custody. "My team did an outstanding job of preventing this kid from hurting himself or anyone else," Colonel Allton said. Personally Speaking: Staff Sgt. Aron Virden Go-by name: Aron Duty Title: Security Forces Patrolman Time on Station: Four months Time in Service: Five years Hometown: Pana, Ill. Spouse: Kelsey Virden Children: Huntley Virden, one month Hobbies: Hunting Fishing Goals: Becoming a civilian law enforcement officer Best thing about Whiteman: Small town America Pet Peeves: Drinking and Driving What motivates your winning spirit? Knowing that me doing my job makes everyone else a little safer I f you could change one thing about Whiteman, what would it be? More facilities open after 2300 hrs for shift workers Personally Speaking: Staff Sgt. Kyle Douglas Go-by name: Kyle Duty Title: Police Services Desk Sergeant Time on Station: Three years Time in Service: Six years Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. Hobbies: Riding my motorcycle, golf and softball Goals: Put 20 years in the Air Force serving my Country Best thing about Whiteman: The location has the lowest gas prices in the nation. I like the outdoors and the people in this area appreciate the Military. Pet Peeves: The new uniform What motivates your winning spirit? Everyday when I'm done, I know I served my country and made it a little safer. If you could change one thing about Whiteman, what would it be? 24 Hour Shopette.