Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Marcus Falleaf | Master Sgt. Brad Simpson, with the 147th Reconnaissance Wing, performs his duties as a...... read more read more
By Senior Master Sgt. Marcus Falleaf
147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
While many people who have been displaced and inconvenienced by Hurricane Ike are scrambling around looking out for their own property and family, members of the Air National Guard at Ellington Field, Texas, recognize the need for a team effort in reconciling the devastation.
Master Sgt. Brad Simpson, from the vehicle maintenance section of the Logistical Readiness Squadron is a prime example of leadership in a time of crisis. Receiving no damage of consequence, Simpson opened his home to at least 15 family members, neighbors and friends that felt the wrath of Hurricane Ike to a more extensive degree.
Simpson, a father and grandfather, is an Active Guard and Reserve member at Ellington Field, which means he is an active duty National Guard member. In times of crisis, he does not have to go on military orders or receive "comp time" for working additional hours. He is in a duty status 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to serve.
At Ellington from the start of the hurricane, Simpson, who lives in Clear Lake, even found room for a fellow co-worker, Technical Sgt. Nathan Kelly, who doesn't yet have power or verification of potable water.
"He's awesome," said Senior Master Sgt. Williamson, Simpson's supervisor. "Master Sgt. Simpson is one of my best guys."
Leaders of various entities have been and are still, visiting the region to assess damage and ensure recovery operations are preceding in accordance with plans. President Bush, Mayor White, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and a multitude of military officials are all a part of this national mission and have personally been to the affected areas. Yet, to the people in the immediate area, no one is of more importance than Air National Guardsman Bradley Simpson of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing.
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2008 17:52 |
| Story ID: | 23839 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 351 |
| Downloads: | 309 |
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