86 CES Fire Protection Battalion Chief earns Airlifter of the Week

An 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection battalion chief received the honor of being Ramstein’s Airlifter of the Week, Feb. 21.

Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th AW command chief, praised Tech. Sgt. Cody Simpson for his ability to step up and run command and control for one of the largest
military fire departments within the Air Force.

For the last two weeks Simpson was assigned Assistant Chief of Operations duties, overseeing daily scheduling, training, and emergency response operations for 64 firefighters across the three districts and seven fire stations.

His leadership was put to the test as he mitigated a foam system activation in a hangar. In a separate instance, he led a suspicious package response.

“It feels good to be recognized. I couldn’t have done it without a great team and great leadership,”
said Simpson.

Simpson’s ability to accept a challenge extends beyond the job. Last year, he achieved the gold level German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in accordance with German military standards. The badge is a decoration of the German Bundeswehr that U.S. military members can earn by accomplishing various tests of physical strength and showing proficiency in marksmanship.

The Airlifter of the Week program recognizes Ramstein Airmen who, through hard work and dedication, make the 86th AW the World’s
Best Wing.