Rescue Wing spiritual leader honored as best in the Air Force Reserve

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 920th Rescue Wing's mission is all about saving lives. While pararescue Airmen are the personal recovery experts, the wing chaplains are experts in spiritual recovery.

Recently, one wing chaplain, Chaplain, Maj. Matthew Simpson, was recognized with the Outstanding Reserve Chaplain of the Year Award.

"I am deeply grateful and humbled by this honor," said Simpson. "I give thanks to God, my family, the Chaplain's Office and my 920th Rescue family--through them I was supported, encouraged and empowered to provide needed pastoral care to the 920th Rescue Wing."

The award honors the late Chaplain, Major General Thoralf T. Thielen, (USAFR Ret.), the first reserve chaplain to obtain general officer rank. The annual winner is an officer selected as the outstanding Reserve chaplain, based on training accomplishments or contribution to mission support; exhibition of leadership in contributing to civic, cultural, or professional activities in the military or civilian community; and enrollment in off-duty programs of professional self-improvement.

"I am proud to provide ministry to the best wing in AFR--the 920th is engaged in almost a continuous rotation of deployments and rescue operations every year that many times involve intense, graphic combat, search and rescue situations," said Simpson.

Rescue Wing Airmen are part of a current ongoing overseas rotation to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and have racked up more than 500 lives saved since the beginning of the deployment last year.

"Given the high operations tempo of this wing, Chaplain Simpson has been instrumental in helping take care of both our members and their families. He truly cares about all our people," said Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th RQW Commander.

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