Staff Sgt. Veronica Gatta, Master Cpl. Darlene Lannon, 2nd Space Warning Squadron

Published Feb. 21, 2007

Star Performer -- Staff Sgt. Verobica and Master Cpl. Darlene from the 2nd Space Warning Squadron are the co-Star Performers for the week of Feb. 9 to 15.

Name: Staff Sgt. Veronica

Time in Service: 7 years

Duty Title: Missile warning security administer and testing manager

Hometown: Saugerties, N.Y.

Hobbies: Soccer, snowboarding, art, reading, hiking, and camping

How do your day-to-day duties contribute to mission success?
As a test manager, I am responsible for performing configuration testing and management for Space-Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, and the Data Distribution Center, or DDC. Also, I conduct developmental and operational tests and evaluations of the DDC's software and firmware, and I am the site manager for Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment, or ITW/AA, Network tests with space correlation centers.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
I would incorporate more evaluation boards for promotions and awards. I feel that an individual evaluation with a board would reflect more personal knowledge and appearance than a black and white written package. Anyone can write a well written package yet when you're in front of a board; it's not just what is written about you but how you present yourself, your appearance and your ability to speak confidently and precisely on military and current world matters.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable years were when I was stationed at Sembach Air Base, Germany. Being the first-born Italian in America of all my ancestors, I felt at ease as I was immersed in the European culture and surrounded by different lifestyles. I enjoyed learning and seeing, first-hand, the history and culture overseas that was developed and cultivated over thousands of years. The camaraderie in the unit and on-base also fostered an environment that made the transition to another country easier.

Duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments:
I am responsible for maintaining the software database of the missile warning hub, the DDC, and provide software testing and maintenance for the 2 SWS. I also manage software security and system access for 21 servers and over 109 local and remote workstations.

I am pursuing a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts at Metropolitan State College of Denver and play on the Buckley AFB Varsity Soccer team. I also won NCO of the quarter for the 460th Space Wing for the third quarter of 2006.

Name: Master Cpl. Darlene

Time in Service: 23 Years

Duty Title: Ground systems operator

Hometown: Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada

Hobbies:
A few of my hobbies include sitting down to read a good book, beating my husband at a good game of Yahtzee or cards, and curling up on the couch to watch a good movie or TV program. The thing I like to do most of all is to just spend time with my husband and two boys.

How do your day-to-day duties contribute to mission success?
As a ground systems operator, or GSO, I work on the systems side of the Space-Based Infrared Systems, or SBIRS, which is tasked with the important duty of maintaining both our satellites and ground components thus allowing this vital mission, essential to the national security of multiple nations, to continue uninterrupted.

If you could change one thing about the Air Force what would it be?
Being that I am in the Canadian air force, I cannot comment on changing anything about the U.S. Air Force. However, if I were to change one thing here at Buckley, I would afford a greater number of personnel the unique opportunity to be trained and work as SBIRS operators.

What has been your most memorable experience in the Air Force?
My most memorable experience in the air force would be getting the offer of my current posting to Colorado when I was expecting to be going someplace else in Canada. It's a difficult posting to obtain and I feel very fortunate to be here experiencing a different element of my trade as an aerospace control operator. In addition, I feel especially privileged to be able to work with people of several different nationalities.

Duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments:
I am part of a team that performs ground system configurations to optimize the $16 billion SBIRS operation. I also implement software and hardware configurations on SBIRS and Air Force Satellite Control Network equipment.

My duties include:
-- Conducting data collection supporting the health of the $2.7 billion Defense Support Program, or DSP, satellite constellation.
-- Maintaining ground communication links imperative to data distribution to and from the Missile Warning Center and theater commanders.
-- Performing fault isolation and restoration of SBIRS ground-station components and communications equipment.
-- Identifying anomalies or failures and restoring operations by reconfiguring or activating back up equipment, and detecting and documenting system limitations or deficiencies supporting system development and software testing.

As a crew scheduler, I am the point of contact between my crew and scheduling for any scheduling, appointment, or leave issues. I am also one of many line instructors helping to train new GSOs assigned to SBIRS.

2 SWS Star Performers