Technical Sergeant Charles Wesley Simons, III, United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

Technical Sergeant Charles Wesley Simons, III

United States Air Force Security Forces, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, November 19, 1999

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Charles Wesley Simons, III

Technical Sergeant Charles Simons died two days after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic near a gate of Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The base had received a bomb threat at the main gate, and several traffic control points had been set up. After the bomb threat was cleared, officers attempted to clear the checkpoints of the heavy traffic.

A motorist who was upset about the delays exited his lane of traffic and drove around the other stopped vehicles. Sergeant Simons was struck at an intersection by the vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 45 mph in an area with a posted limit of 25 mph. Sergeant Simons was taken to a local hospital where he remained unconscious until passing away two days after the incident.

Sergeant Simons was a member of the 99th Security Forces Squadron and had served in the Air Force for 19 years.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 19 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Struck by vehicle
Location Nevada
Incident Date Wednesday, November 17, 1999

directing traffic

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Most Recent Reflection

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It’s 4:07 am and I have classic rock radio quietly playing as I watch the moons glow reflect off of fresh snow. I realize that a song is nearly over. The lyrics say “Come out, come out, Virginia, don’t make me wait … Sooner or later it comes down to fate”. Fate, that’s why I’m awake so early, it’s why I write the following.

We are fortunate to have those who are willing to stand up and protect others: Our men and women in law enforcement. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to maintain law and safety. When one falls, we all grieve. All too often we mourn the death of a hero.
Today, 23 years later, I remember one of those heroes: A friend, peer and eventual supervisor, Technical Sergeant Charles Wesley Simons III. Wes was a year out from retirement and two days from picking up an engagement ring for Claudia, when he was struck by a vehicle on November 17, 1999. Two days later, November 19th, he succumbed to his injuries.

I reminisce about Wes, his smile ever present regardless of the situation thrown upon his shoulders. It didn’t matter if he was mentoring new troops, or if he was interviewing a suspect prior to an apprehension, his thoughtful, calm and caring words were ever present.

Fate. A word containing 4 letters of which 2 are vowels, 2 are consonants. As a verb it means destined to happen, turn out, or act in a particular way. As a noun it means the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power. Many of us would say it’s God’s will.

Wes was strong in his faith and connection to God. Once, Wes listened as I discussed my struggle with a difficult troop. After I finished my tirade he answered with one word. Pray. That was it, pray. After his death I discovered that I wasn’t the only one to receive that answer from him. Folks, I have nothing else to write, it’s now two hours later since I started this.

“Only the good die young” Ooh-ooh, ooh-hoo, Ooh-ooh-hoo-hoo, Ooh-ooh, ooh-hoo, Only the good die young”

MSgt Scott Scheffey
Retired

November 19, 2022