CMSGT MELVIN D. SIMPSON

CMSgt Melvin D. Simpson, Overbrook, began his military career in 1952 when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and went through basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He became a personnel specialist and then first sergeant servingin Tennessee and Oklahoma. He joined the Kansas Air National Guard as the first sergeant with the 117th Fighter Intercepter Squadron in March 1957 at the Hutchinson Naval Air Station, later becoming the first sergeant, personnel superintendent, and chief of personnel for the 190th Tactical Reconnaissance Group and the 190th Bombardment Tactical Group (forerunners of the 190th Air Refueling Group). On May, 1974, he became the personnnel superintendent of Headquarters, Kansas Air National Guard, until his retirement in May 1988 as a full-time employee and a Guardsman. During his tenure, the 190th moved from Hutchinson to Topeka in 1967 and through his efforts most of the unit was retained.

In 1966, Simpson performed Guard disaster duty following the Topeka tornado of June 1966. He received the Governor’s Commendation for Exceptionally Meritorious Service for his efforts.

Simpson was always recruiting airmen for the Guard. His biggest recruiting achievement was getting Col Joe Engle, the former astronaut, into the Kansas Air National Guard.

He has been involved in many community activities to include being chairman of the Combined Federal Campaign for the Adjutant General’s Department to raise money for the United Way. After three years of work for the United Way, he received the United Way Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service to the people of Topeka.

He also He also was involved with the Overbrook Rotary Club since 1972, being elected president twice, Rotarian of the Year 1976-77, hosted seven foreign students in his home and in 1988 was named the “Paul Harris Fellow” for substantial charitable service to Rotary International.

Simpson is a life member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas serving as vice president (Air), chairman of the resolutions committee, 1983-89.

Among his many awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon; Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Ribbon; Kansas National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, and the Kansas National Guard Longevity Service Ribbon.

In addition to organizations mentioned, he also has served with the National Guard Association of Kansas receiving the National Guard Association of Kansas Distinguished Service Award in 1980; National Guard Association of the U.S.; Enlisted Association of the Nation Guard of the U.S.; Air Force Association; Air Force Sergeants Association; American Legion; and Masonic Lodge.