Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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

I think about TSgt. Simons frequently, especially at this time of year. I was on duty the night of his accident and was the MWD handler whose dog responded to a vehicle at the main gate. I still feel guilt, that if my MWD had not falsely responded, TSgt Simons would not have been out directing traffic in the dark and would not have been killed. I was stationed at Nellis with him from 1997 until his death, and was deployed to PSAB with him as well. I will always remember his smile and kindness.

(former)SrA. James Simpach
99th SFS

November 26, 2021

Rest in peace Technical Sergeant Simons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 11, 2020

I still can't believe this happened. I worked with Wes at Nellis, but, I was stationed at Osan Air Base, S. Korea when I was informed of this incident. As stated, he was a very quiet individual and very well respected. I returned to Nellis less than 30 days later. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family.

R.I.P.
Larry Lynch

Ret TSgt Larry Lynch
99th SFS/Nellis AFB, NV

November 20, 2019

God Bless you Defender!!

SMSgt Chuck Denton, USAF, (RET)

November 19, 2019

Wow, 20 years since this incident. I live with this death everyday. I was the one who answered that call over the radio from that civilian lady, telling us one of our patrolman was hit. I told the handicapped person what street needed to travel on to get to the B.X. to drop off the funds he was carrying. I seen that person when they brought him to the desk for interviewing. The look on that face of the guy stays with you. I can only imagine what the driver seen, after looking at the photos of the car damage. That guy was already handicapped and this incident made his condition worst. I thank a very concerned religious mother of Charles, who stated she didn't want to press charges against this guy for hitting and killing her son.

R.I.P.
Charles Wesley Simons III

TSgt Raeside
USAF/Retired

November 19, 2019

T/Sgt. Simons,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 19, 2019

20 years Wes. I continue to wonder how events would have played out had you not volunteered to worked my shift. Your voice still fresh in my mind as we speak about challenges with troops, family and work. Your answer was simple yet profound. Pray Scott.

MSgt Scott Scheffey
99 SFS

November 17, 2019

I was the desk sergeant that day when Wes was hit and I heard that call for help from an unidentified lady who used Wes Simon's radio to call out for help. I wish I could meet her because I wanted to thank her very much for her deed that day. She is a hero because that call let us know that one of many troops that were posted out that day was injured and I was able to dispatch the only two responding patrols I had available that day (Flight Chief MSgt Rankin and Police 3 SrA Boucher). It is an honor to see that sign at Nellis AFB naming the old Tyndall Gate after him. Every time I go through that gate I remember sad and busy day as a desk sergeant.

TSgt Allan Raeside
99th Security Forces

November 21, 2016

Sergeant Simons was my immediate supervisor when I was stationed at Wueschheim Air Station in what was then West Germany, back in 1986-87. I can't be sure, but I may have been one of the first troops he supervised. It's been nearly thirty years since I last saw him, but I only just now learned that he passed away so long ago.

I didn't know him all that well and, as happens too often, I lost contact with him when I processed out of Wueschheim and the Air Force all those years ago, and the memories have faded. What I do remember is that he was always kind and easy to talk to, and always seemed in good spirits. It remains evident by the comments here that Sergeant Simons maintained that attitude throughout his career, perhaps to the benefit of many, many more young troops like I was way back then.

What a lovely tribute to Wes that Nellis Air Force Base named a gate in his honor! May his memory live on forever in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.

SGT Anthony T. (Tony) Gasbarro
38th Missile Security Squadron, Wueschheim AS, Germany

November 22, 2015

You stood your Watch Brother…

Rick Berry, MSgt (Ret)
Security Forces lives Forever.

November 22, 2015

RIP my Brother.

Abrom Douglas, Jr, MSGT
Retired Air Force and Miami-Dade Police Department

November 21, 2015

I never knew you...but you were my brother none the less! Your stand down was long ago, but I just learned of it. Fare well...brother of the blue beret.

SSgt Michael White
United States Air Force Security Police

November 21, 2015

RIP Defender. My prayers are with your family and coworkers.

Sgt Evans
SPOK 1987-1992

November 21, 2015

Rest In Peace TSgt Simmons. God has another Defendor.

A1C Grant Fisk
Veteran Security Police

November 20, 2015

I want to Thank You for what you did for me. Without your and others sacrifice I wouldn't be free. I know you were a great guy because I know your Mom Christine and sister Carol. I know you are watching over them, just in a Brway now.

Jackie Brown
Brother-n-Law

November 26, 2013

Nellis Air Force Base
4450 Grissom Ave, NV 89191

Thank you. Nellis Air Force Base for honoring my son Wes,
Teck Sgt. Charles Wesley Simons III, EOW 11-19-1999, on
November 19, 2013 by renaming the Tyndall Gate the Simons Gate.

A special thank you to the 99th SFS and 799th SFS, for attending
the ceremony and for your continued service to our country.

Thank you to Col. Barry Cornish, for your kind words to me and
the memory of my son.

Thank you, Major Richard Martin, for being concerned enough to
organize this honor of naming the gate, near where the accident
occurred, after my son. Your concern for my attending the ceremony, consideration of my needs, meeting the plane, escorting myself and
family, Ken and Kathy Spaulding, and friend Debbie Johnson for a
tour of the base including the K9 unit demonstration for our behalf;
is very much appreciated.

Thank you to Retired Chief Master Sgt. Lee Beausoleil, for attending
the dedication ceremony. It was a blessing to see someone who knew
Wes before his death in 1999 and who also was among the 4 officers representing the base and accompanying me in 2000 for the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial service in Washington DC .

Thank you to Master Sergeant Christine Smalls for helping to
implement Major Martin's plan and for taking extra pictures of the
gate entrance sign.

Thank you to Sergeant Fallon Robinson for your organizational skills,
dedication and thoughtfulness in making the ceremony and our stay on
base a wonderful experience.

Thank you SSgt Ann Lavra and SrA Daryll Swartzlander for transporting
us to various locations during our first day at Nellis.

God's Blessings
upon the people who serve our country at Nellis Air Force Base.

In Thankfulness and Appreciation,

Mrs. Christine Simons Spaulding

Christine Spaulding
Mother

November 26, 2013

The Tyndall gate at Nellis was just re-named in his honor and I agree that he will never be forgotten for sure. I believe I was stationed with Wes but I was on the Elite Gate Guard and he would always stop by to check on us. I truly remember his smile and I'm saddened to hear about his death so many years after. R.I.P. brother in blue...

MSgt Walsh, Jonathan
99th SFS 1994 - 1997

November 20, 2013

It has been many years and I still remember how I felt after learning of Wes's death. It took me by utter surprise and I can remember the day as if it were yesterday. I was fortunate to attend the ceremony in Washington D.C. where his name was added to the wall, and I also had the honor of meeting his mother while I was there. Wes was a great person and genuinely cared about others. As one of my first supervisors, he made a lasting impression and set the stage for the beginning of my LE career. I am privileged to have worked under him. His smile is what I remember most and always brightened up the day. I keep his picture and an etching of his name in my office as both a remembrance and a reminder of a fellow LEO, a fine NCO, and most of all a great man. While you may be gone, you will never be forgotten. RIP my friend. – LT (Former SrA) Dan Bower

Lieutenant Dan Bower
Butler County Sheriff's Office

March 21, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 8, 2012

You served our Country well, fellow "Peacekeeper." May the Lord keep you and watch over your family, friends, coworkers and fellow "Peacekeepers" where ever they serve.

Respectfully,

"A fellow "Peacekeeper"

T. Huber (TSgt, USAF Retired)
USAF Security Police Law Enforcement/Corrections

October 16, 2012

I served with Wes at Osan AB ROK, in the early 90's, in the Stinger section. I can't remember the exact year, but I will always remember Wes. His laugh was infectious and if I sit and think about it hard enough, I can still hear him. As many others have posted here, it seemed like Wes always had a smile on his face, he always seemed to be in a great mood, and brought the best out of everyone he came in contact with. I didn't know Wes as well as some who have posted here, but the year that I did spend with Wes was long enough for him to leave an indellible mark on me. I was shocked of learning about Wes' death, he was truely one of the best people I had the fortune of meeting in my 10 1/2 year Air Force career.

Staff Sgt Kevin M Potts
51SPS/Osan AB, ROK Stinger Section

August 23, 2012

National Police Week and the memorial ceremony in DC reminded me again of TSgt Simons. I did not know him, but I was assigned to Nellis when he was killed. I remember the traffic incident that took his life. As a former SP officer, I mourned the senseless loss of a Defender doing his job, just as all have done daily for decades. RIP, TSgt Simons.

Douglas P Brick, Major, USAF (Ret)
USAF

May 13, 2012

It has been a while since I came to this page "C-III" but the recent loss of brothers made me return to let you know that you have some beret's in blue to keep you company in heaven. Miss you my friend.

Kelly

SRA Kelly Frederick (Nicholson)
Nellis AFB, LVMPD, SPD

March 4, 2011

TSgt Charles Simons III,
Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for being a good example of a leader. Reading the comments left behind, you made a great impression on those around you and those you supervised. Rest In Peace and you will never be forgotten.

D/D Gary W. Carew
Seminole County Sheriffs Office, FL/Former Security Policeman

December 16, 2010